Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc., Appellants v. State of New York, Respondents

Summary

The Court of Appeals held that the trial court correctly defined a "sound basic education" as a meaningful high school education and affirmed its findings that New York City schools are deficient in teaching quality, facilities, class size, and instructional resources, and that these deficiencies are causally linked to the State's funding system. The Court reversed the Appellate Division's contrary rulings, dismissed the plaintiffs' Title VI claim, and remanded for further proceedings consistent with the modified order. Justice Read dissented, arguing that the constitutional standard is illusory and that the remedy exceeds judicial authority; Justice Smith concurred, emphasizing the Regents Learning Standards and a statewide remedy.