This article examines the Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle Public School District No . 1 decision in light of its impact on the Brown ruling that preceded it. The Supreme Court's 5-4 vote on the matter of desegregation and equal access to educational opportunity signals that a divide exists in the United States with respect to the underlying educational values of excellence and equity. The current policy environment was examined and found to be dominated by the value of excellence at the expense of equity. Policy implications of the Parents Involved decision are considered, and policy recommendations for improving equitable access to education in the present environment are offered.
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