Arguments Presented in PARC v. Pennsylvania (1971)
PARC (Plaintiffs)
Education is a Right: All children deserve education under the 14th Amendment.
"Uneducable" Is False: Experts proved children with disabilities can learn with proper support.
Discrimination: Denying education is unfair and harms families.
Due Process Violation: Decisions were made without fair hearings.
Pennsylvania (Defendants)
"Uneducable" Claim: The state argued children with severe disabilities could not benefit from school.
Resource Concerns: Educating these children would be too costly.
State Authority: Pennsylvania claimed the right to set education policies.
Court Outcome
PARC did face fierce resistance from lawmakers, schools, and society. Before the case could go to a full trial, a settlement was reached in 1972. It was a significant victory for disability rights, as it established that Pennsylvania must provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with cognitive impairments.
Terms of the Settlement
• The state agreed to provide access to public education for all children, regardless of disability.
• Schools were required to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each child with a disability to ensure their educational needs were met.
• The ruling also stipulated that children with disabilities should be educated in the least restrictive environment possible.
Former Senator Bob Casey shares his views on the PARC v PA Case. BobCasey.com