View as Webpage • March 21, 2023
Rodríguez v. San Antonio ISD was a terrible ruling. 
 
50 years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court made schools more separate and more unequal.
 
The court ruled that education was not a fundamental right. And it said, although Texas’ school funding system was “chaotic and unjust,” it did not violate federal equal protection requirements. The court passed the buck to states to determine if their public schools were fairly funded.
 
Why do we pause for this anniversary?
 
Because Rodríguez fanned a fire sparked by students and families demanding better schools! 
 
Because it led to IDRA’s founding in 1973 to ensure equal opportunities for all students.
 
And because there is so much more to do.
 
For example, today, in Texas, Georgia and across the nation, politicians seek to demonize, then privatize, public schools through school vouchers.
 
In 50 years, IDRA’s mission has never wavered. And we will continue to support movements, change laws, shed light on inequities, and work with educators on classroom innovations that dramatically improve students’ lives. IDRA is committed to ensuring every student is in a strong public school that is safe, values their culture and language, and prepares them for college. 
Learn more about the Rodríguez case
“The Rodríguez decision is seen by many legal scholars as one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in the last century and a real betrayal to the promise of Brown v. Board of Education.”
– Celina Moreno, J.D., IDRA President & CEO
Event Tomorrow
Rodriguez v. San Antonio 50th Anniversary Commemoration
The Fight for School Finance Equity: Past, Present, and Future
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

In-person: 4:30-7:30 pm CT
Virtual: 5:00-7:30 pm CT

New today!
The Law in Education – Rodríguez vs. San Antonio ISD
For the 50th anniversary of the Rodríguez vs. San Antonio ISD U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Celina Moreno, J.D., met with Dr. Albert Cortez to discuss the history of the case, its impact, the litigation that followed, and how the case led to IDRA’s founding. The conversation is available as a podcast and video.
Texas School Finance Reform: An IDRA Perspective

A master storyteller, Dr. José A. Cárdenas offers an insider’s view of the history of school finance in Texas.

More than a history, this book provides a blueprint for persons interested in bringing about future reform in schools and other social institutions.

Beginning with a description of the Texas system in 1950, the account covers court cases, legislation, and advocacy efforts and concludes with the status and future of school finance reform.

Dr. José A. Cárdenas (right) presents a copy of his new book, Texas School Finance Reform: An IDRA Perspective, to Demetrio Rodríguez (left), lead litigant in the Rodríguez vs. San Antonio ISD case, with Dr. Albert Cortez (center), IDRA director of policy and school finance expert. 1997
Enjoy more stories by IDRA's founder, Dr. José A. Cárdenas
As we celebrate IDRA's 50th anniversary this year, we are re-releasing chapters from our founder's highly-popular out-of-print memoir, All Pianos Have Keys and Other Stories.

Watch our social media accounts and this webpage for each new release.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news!
IDRA is an independent, non-profit organization. Our mission is to achieve equal educational opportunity for every child through strong public schools that prepare all students to access and succeed in college.