| Since the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) schools across the country have been challenged to provide an equitable education to all students. The U.S. Supreme Court rendered the decision that "...Separate educational facilities [were] inherently unequal" (Russo, 2004, p. 944). They were unequal in the areas concerning: (1) student assignments, (2) transportation, (3) physical facilities, (4) extracurricular activities, (5) faculty assignment, and (6) resource allocation, which was connected to the quality of education being offered to students. While some improvement occurred, currently separate educational facilities are again forming in districts across the United States.; Since this landmark case, there have been others challenging the district-established segregation decrees in order to create a system that is equitable for all students. However, there remains an academic "achievement gap" between African-American students and their counterparts. Therefore, this study examined legal cases brought by African-American parents, students, and community organizations. Additionally, the study examined cases brought by Whites, and other minority students alleging violations of constitutional rights and, in some cases discrimination as listed above which can contribute to the "achievement gap."; The researcher designed this study in an effort to identify and explicate the legal parameters governing provision of equitable educational facilities. The researcher contends that narrowing and eventually closing the achievement gap will only result if equality in education is a fact rather than a theory. This researcher identified the constitutional rights of children and parents as they seek equal access to resources and programs offered by districts. Finally, recommendations to districts, administrators, teachers, and parents are offered. |
