State Law Blocks Black and Hispanic Students from Magnet Schools (An Injustice in Hartford)

Required by state law, race-based quotas at Hartford, Connecticut, magnet schools deny Black and Hispanic students’ civil rights and chances for high-quality education.

Representing seven families, PLF sued to ensure that Black and Hispanic students have the same educational opportunities as all children in Connecticut. The City of Hartford runs a number of world-class magnet schools. These schools are so successful that demand outstrips the schools’ capacity, and a lottery is used to decide who can attend. But state law imposes racial quotas on these schools—enrollment must be at least 25% white or Asian. So unless enough white or Asian students attend, Black and Hispanic students are denied admission—even if it means seats remain empty.