Parents Behind School Choice Lawsuit React to Ruling
A group of Malvern families that fought the School Choice Act of 1989 are celebrating a judge's reversal of the law Friday, while planning their next move.
Darrin Hardy says his daughter and her education have always been a major priority.
"We thought Claire needed to be in a place where she felt safe and secure and happy and able to get an education," he said.
He says in 2008 when her private school closed, she went to a school outside of her district until the Malvern superintendent came calling, mandating students return because they were breaking the law.
"We got to looking at the law and seeing what was going on and anyone could see it was unconstitutional," said Hardy.
The School Choice Act aimed to prevent further racial segregation but Hardy and a hundred other parents argued it was also preventing their kids from getting the education they deserved. In 2008 they enlisted the help of attorney Andi Davis, fresh out of law school.
"My ultimate objective is to take race out of it, I don't think it was right in the 60's 50's 40's, I don't think it's right today," said Davis.
Friday, Federal Judge Robert Dawson released his opinion, agreeing race should not be the main factor in determining school choice. But by striking the entire law, the decision left families and school officials to grapple with the potential impact.
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