Resources

Resources

• Not Black and White: Making Sense of the U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Regarding Race Conscious Student Assignment Plans [PDF 3,964,957kb]
  This publication is intended to help public schools understand how they can continue their efforts to achieve the educational benefits of a diverse student enrollment and avoid the harms of racial isolation in light of the recent Supreme Court decision. It outlines the central points the Court made--highlighting what rulings are now binding and pointing out the questions that remain--warranting careful consideration for schools in adopting or reviewing race conscious student assignment plans and policies.
  
• An Educated Guess: Initial Guidance on Diversity in Public Schools After PICS v. Seattle School District [HTML 54,843kb]
  On the last day of its term, the United States Supreme Court handed down a decision in two much-awaited school cases that will impact the ways in which public schools use race in student assignments.
  
• Diversity Cases Analysis and Resources [HTML 7,321kb]
  The Supreme Court's decisions in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education will determine whether and how school districts can use race as a factor in assigning students. The following resources provide background information to understanding these decisions.
  
• Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [PDF 337,618kb]
  Over the past decade, controversies surrounding students’ sexual orientation and gender identity have become increasingly common in K-12 schools. This Fall 2004 publication provides practical guidance on schools’ legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, programs, and curriculum.
  
• Toward Unitary Status: Making Good Faith Efforts to Remedy Past Discrimination [PDF 285,095kb]
• From Desegregation to Diversity: A Self-Assessment Guide for Schools [PDF 349,690kb]
  Inquiry & Analysis, February 2002, Feature Article
  
• Using Native American Symbols, Names and Mascots: Honor or Offense? [PDF 450,991kb]
  Inquiry & Analysis, July 2001, Feature Article
  
• Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination and Harassment Against Students [PDF 122,665kb]
  Inquiry & Analysis, June 2001, Feature Article
  
• Educating Students with Limited English Skills [PDF 123,035kb]
  Inquiry & Analysis, January 2001, Feature Article
  
• Guidance to School Boards on Race and Student Assignment [HTML 33,048kb]
  Inside School Law
  
• Chicago Public Schools Desegregation Research [PDF 4,933,003kb]
• The American Civil Liberties Union
  The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) works daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
  
• Office for Civil Rights
  Federal government agency with primary responsibility for resolving complaints of discrimination in public education.
  
• Parents, Families, and Friends
  PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy.
  
• National Women's Law Center
  NWLC works to protect and advance the progress of women and girls at work, in school, and in virtually every aspect of their lives.
  
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
  The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) was founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall. Although LDF's primary purpose was to provide legal assistance to poor African Americans, its work over the years has brought greater justice to all Americans.
  
• From Desegregation to Diversity: A School District's Self-Assessment Guide
  This NSBA Council of School Attorneys' publication offers advice on how to make student-assignment policy decisions that best serve the educational goals of local school officials while minimizing the legal risks. Co-authored by Edwin C. Darden, senior staff attorney with NSBA's Office of the General Counsel and staff liaison for the Racial Isolation Task Force, and Arthur L. Coleman and Scott R. Palmer, both of Nixon Peabody LLP. 32 pages. Order No. 11-130-W. ISBN 0-88364-253-0(List $16.00, National Affiliates and Council Members $12.00)
  
• Harvard Civil Rights Project
  The Harvard Civil Rights Project works to renew the civil rights movement and is a preeminent source on civil rights.