Zelman v. Simmons-Harris Case Overview

Study Notes

Zelman v. Simmons-Harris Overview

Supreme Court case decided in 2002 (536 U.S. 639).
Involves school voucher program in Cleveland, Ohio.
The program included fifty-six private schools, with 80% being religious institutions.
96.7% of voucher-utilizing students chose religious schools, often differing in faith from the sponsoring organization.

Context Leading to the Case

The Cleveland school district served approximately 75,000 children, mainly from low-income minority families.
Considered one of the worst-performing districts nationwide, failing to meet eighteen state standards.
Only 10% of ninth graders passed basic proficiency exams.

Scholarship Program Alternatives

Options for students:
- Continue in public schools.
- Private, nonreligious school scholarships (up to $2,250/year).
- Private, religious school scholarships (up to $2,250/year).
- Up to $500 for tutorial assistance in public schools.
- Attending public schools outside the district with funding arrangements.

Legal Challenge

Suit filed by Doris Simmons-Harris and local citizens against Ohio's superintendent Susan Tave Zelman.
Claim that the voucher program breached the First Amendment's establishment clause.
Initial rulings by federal district court and court of appeals struck down the program; the state then sought Supreme Court review.

Arguments Presented

Superintendent argued the program was religiously neutral, providing true private choice for families.
Respondent Simmons-Harris contended that it fostered a public perception of state endorsement of religious practices.

Supreme Court Decision

The key issue was whether the Ohio school voucher program violated the Establishment Clause.
The Court found, in a 5-4 ruling led by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, that it did not violate the Establishment Clause.
The decision emphasized that the program served the general population rather than explicitly religious schools, reinforcing parental choice.

Concurring Opinions

Justice Thomas highlighted the program's role in addressing failing urban schools and its disproportionate impact on minority students.
Justice O'Connor discussed the application of the Lemon test in indirect aid cases, focusing on the primary effects and implications of the program regarding religion.

Description

Explore the Supreme Court case Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, decided in 2002, which centers on the controversial school voucher program in Cleveland, Ohio. This quiz delves into the implications of the program, the context of the Cleveland school district, and the alternatives offered to students. Test your knowledge of the case and its impact on education policy.