Compulsory Education Pierce vs Society of Sisters (& Hill Military Academy) Debbie A. Helm
Supreme Court of US, 1925 Challenged The Compulsory Attendance Act of 1922 Which mandated all Children between the ages of 8 – 16 must attend a PUBLIC school within their district
Parties DEFENDANT Pierce – the governor of Oregon PLANTIFF Society of Sisters – Oregon Corporation Care for orphans that established and maintained facilities for educational purposes. Provides systematic religious instruction according the the Roman Catholic Church
Conflicts The rights of parents to choose their child’s education The right of a child to influence the parents choice of schools The right of schools/teachers to engage in a useful business/profession Irreparable Injury – Diminished value/assets Criminal Violation / Misdemeanor
Issue Irreparable injury due to the Act of 1922 which mandated all children attend a PUBLIC school. –Losing Income –Not able to issue contracts to teachers or service providers –Large number of students being withdrawn
Decision Attendance in a private school satisfies the compulsory education act
Significance Parents/Guardians have the right to choose the educational path of their children and set a precedence for further religious groups (Amish) etc…