From Brown v. Board of Education to “Bong Hits 4 Jesus,” the past fifty years have seen a striking rise in judicial supervision of education. From race to speech, from religion to school funding, from discipline to special education, few realms of education policy have escaped the courtroom. Predictably, much controversy has ensued. Supporters of education litigation contend that the courts are essential to secure student (and civil) rights and needs, while critics insist that the courts distort policy and that the mere threat of litigation undermines the authority of teachers and administrators.

Please join us at this landmark conference, where a distinguished cast of scholars and panelists will appraise the judiciary’s role in K–12 education and discuss the implications for policymakers, scholars, jurists, and education reformers. This conference is cosponsored by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.