The landmark 1982 Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe established that states cannot block access to public education to any child residing within its borders, regardless of the child’s or their parent’s immigration status. The court reasoned that “education has a fundamental role in maintaining the fabric of our society … [and] provides the basic tools by which individuals might lead economically productive lives to the benefit of us all.” Through this ruling, our highest court maintained that all children residing in the U.S. should have the opportunity to live full lives and engage meaningfully in our society and economy.
On June 15th, the ruling will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Please use these organizational talking points to lift up the importance of the Plyler v. Doe ruling and how it has benefited the lives of children in immigrant families as well as our greater community.
