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Engel v. Vitale
State official prayer is outlawed, making it not required for a student to say a prayer if they do not want to. This makes it so that those who do not come from a Christian or protestant culture do not have to violate their beliefs on behalf of the school. -
Civil Rights Act becomes law
Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin is prohibited. This is the foundation for many court rulings in the future and marks a large change in education, a push towards equality and multiculturalism. -
Title IX becomes law
This educational amendment protects against sexual discrimination and harassment. Title IX has been a frequently used topic as of recently due to the transgender bathroom issue. Title IX ensures that everyone is comfortable to be themselves at school and that their rights are protected. -
Equal Educational Opportunities Act is passed
This act prohibited discrimination and requires schools to take actions which promote equal protection. This is an important step towards equality in schools as it requires equal treatment and promotes equal protection for all students. -
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act becomes law
Those who have physical or mental disabilities are required to receive equal access to education according to the law. This was a move that made the educational system more accepting and equitable. -
Plyler v. Doe
Schools cannot deny the education of undocumented children. This opened the doors of the educational system to children of different cultures who, most likely, were not brought to the U.S. on their own accord. -
Wallace v. Jaffree
Alabama laws authorizing silent prayer and teacher-led voluntary prayer is deemed unconstitutional. Similar to Engel v. Vitale, this court case made the classroom environment more accepting towards those who have cultures which are not Christian and for those who choose not to be religious. -
Improving America's Schools Act is signed
The IASA increased budgeting for bilingual and immigrant education. This act improved educational opportunities for children of different cultures by allocating more resources towards them. This area was lacking in resources, thus the act was put into place. -
James Banks' Multicultural Education: Transformative Knowledge and Action
Banks' book defined multicultural education and ties in American history and ideals to stress its importance. Banks' book was important to the subject of multiculturalism and to education as a whole by expanding on a subject that needed awareness and discussion in the scholarly world. -
Demographic milestone is reached
Minority students finally outnumbered non-Hispanic Caucasian students in K-12 public schools. This is good news for those who support diversity. It also show that access to education for those from different cultures has increased substantially.
