CAPAC Members Recognize 50th Anniversary of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, which prohibits discrimination against students based on gender, race, color, or national origin, and codified the landmark 1974 Supreme Court case Lau v. Nichols that expanded rights for students with limited English proficiency (LEP). The law required that schools provide LEP students with adequate services and accommodations regardless of their nationality and paved the way for the provision of bilingual education in schools across the nation. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Every American, no matter their gender, race, national origin, or English proficiency, deserves a quality public education and the chance to succeed. In addition to securing critical civil rights protections for students, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act codified the hard-fought legal precedent of the Lau v. NicholsSupreme Court case and remains a significant milestone for educational equity and language access for AANHPI and immigrant communities today. As we recognize the 50th anniversary of this historic law, we recommit ourselves to celebrating our diversity, increasing language access across the federal government, and fighting back against all forms of discrimination, so that AANHPI and all communities can fully participate in all areas of public life.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“Fifty years ago the Equal Educational Opportunities Act was signed into law, expanding on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ensuring that students and staff have equal opportunities in education in the United States. This law specifically requires schools to serve students of all nationalities and students whose first language is not English. Today, even as we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark legislation, we also recognize that discrimination and inequalities in education persist, especially for those who have limited English proficiency. My colleagues and I are committed to advocating for more inclusive schools and curricula, so every student of every background has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education – as promised by our federal laws.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“Ensuring equal access to education regardless of race, nationality, or language opens the door to opportunity for all students. On the anniversary of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, let us remember our commitment to ensuring that all barriers to education are eliminated for everyone. With language services that match the needs of every student, including students in the AANHPI community, we can ensure success for those who too often fall through the cracks.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“Today marks 50 years since the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) became law. The EEOA expanded on progress made by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination in public schools. Together, these laws represent our nation’s commitment to education for all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. I am pleased to join my CAPAC colleagues to celebrate the anniversary of the EEOA and how access to education enables Americans of all backgrounds to succeed and thrive.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“On the 50th anniversary of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, a landmark decision banning states from discriminating against students based on gender, race or nationality, it remains vital we continue to provide every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, an equal opportunity to succeed. Public schools are the foundation of American democracy and it is important we invest in our future by launching STEM education initiatives, enrichment programs and arts-rich curriculums.”
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):
“In 1979, I came to this country with $20 in my pocket and a desire to pursue my American Dream. Through the power of education, my life was transformed and I was able to achieve more than I ever could have imagined. The Equal Educational Opportunities Act has benefited me and so many other Americans, and I’m fighting in Congress everyday to build on this important legislation to make education more accessible to every student.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“I am glad to join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in celebrating fifty years of the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, which paved the way for schools to be more racially, culturally, and linguistically inclusive. As a country built on opportunity for everyone, it is critical that we continue to work to break down barriers for students and ensure increased educational opportunities and success for every student.
