Cook v. Raimondo
june 2022 update:
After 4 years of organizing and legislative work, we’ve achieved a hard-fought victory: the Commissioner of Education has established an official Civics Task Force to advise and consult in implementing curricula for more robust and equitable civics programming in the public schools.
Deep love to the young folks of ARISE and PSU who were courageous enough to be named plaintiffs and took on this fight, as this win would not be possible without them. Deep love to Jennifer Woods and the folks at the Center for Justice who made this happen. Deep love to Michael Rebell and his dedication to this mission. Deep love to all our community, our parents, youth, and organizers, for coming out and fighting to achieve equitable education!
In December 2023, our Program Manager, Nancy Xiong, and dedicated Youth Leader, Rachel, were recognized with the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award for this work!
february 2021 UPdate :
Our amicus brief along with the briefs of nine other organizations, scholars, and advocates who believe in the right to an education that prepares students for active, informed, and capable citizenship have been submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Copies of all the briefs as well as one-page summaries can found at the link below. The fight continues and we will continue to post updates. Thank you for your continued support.
January 2021 update:
As we enter 2021, we begin a next step in our campaign for educational justice. While Judge William Smith was unable to rule in the favor of the plaintiffs, he has stated explicit support in bringing the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals to give a national platform to the issue for the opportunity to enact widespread change in the country.
“The Court cannot provide the remedy Plaintiffs seek, but in denying that relief, the Court adds its voice to Plaintiffs’ calling attention to their plea. Hopefully, others who have the power to address this need will respond appropriately.”
- Judge William Smith
The Students for Educational Equity based at Brown University have developed informational graphics to provide a timeline, political analysis, and historical precedent for this case. Click the links below to view, download, and share to understand and support the continued fight for educational rights.
News and updates
RI Court Dismisses Suit to Establish Constitutional Right to a Civic Education
Rhode Island Students Take Fight for Civic Education to Courts
Rhode Island Right-to-Education Lawsuit to Be Heard in Federal Court
Federal Judge Holds First Hearing in Student Lawsuit Against State of Rhode Island
