Clark V. Board of School Directors: Reflections After 150 Years
CLARK V. BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS: REFLECTIONS AFTER 150 YEARS Earl “Marty” Martin, Russell E. Lovell, II, Robert G. Allbee, David S. Walker, Mark S. Cady, Brent Appel, Edward Mansfield, Alfredo Parrish & Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. ABSTRACT On April 14, 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court issued its opinion in Clark v. Board of School Directors, establishing racial integration in public schools and declaring “all the youths are equal before the law.” The court instructed the Muscatine School Board to allow Susan Clark to attend a previously all- white grammar school, stating “the board cannot, in their discretion, or otherwise, deny a youth admission to any particular school because of his or her nationality, religion, color, clothing or the like.” Now, over 150 years later, we take time to reflect on the impact of this groundbreaking decision. The following series of Reflections discuss the history leading up to the Clark decision, the key players, and the lasting impact this case has had on Iowa law. These Reflections also provide an opportunity to reflect on the current state of our society and legal system, reminding us to continue the legacy of Clark by fighting for equality in all areas of the law and speaking out courageously against injustice. TABLE OF CONTENTS Commencing the Celebration Earl “Marty” Martin ........................................................................................ 171 Shine On, You Bright Radical Star: Clark v. Board of School Directors (of Muscatine)—The Iowa Supreme Court’s Civil Rights Exceptionalism Russell E. Lovell, II ......................................................................................... 175 I. Introduction ........................................................................................... 175 II. The Clark Case ...................................................................................... 178 A. Legislative History and 1857 Constitutional History ................. 181 B.
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