Heimlich's History: Wisconsin v. Yoder

Introduction

• Focus on the Supreme Court case: Wisconsin v. Yoder.
• Relevant for AP Government curriculum.

Facts of the Case

• Three Amish families in Wisconsin removed their children from public schools after 8th grade.
• Amish belief: state education unnecessary after 8th grade; prefer vocational training.
• Concern over high school ideas conflicting with Amish religion.
• Wisconsin's compulsory education law required education until age 16.
• Parents fined $5 each for violating this law.
• Lower courts sided with the state, except the state Supreme Court.
• Reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 1972.

Constitutional Principle

• First Amendment Rights:
  • Yoder argued Wisconsin law violated their right to free exercise of religion.
  • Wisconsin's stance: state's interest in education should supersede religious practices.

Supreme Court Decision

• Unanimous Decision:
  • Ruled in favor of Yoder.
  • State's educational interest shouldn't override Amish families' religious practices.
  • Acknowledged potential threat to Amish way of life by requiring additional schooling.
  • Chief Justice Warren Burger: State interest in education not absolute.

Importance of the Case

• Set precedent for balancing state interests vs. religious freedoms.
• Influenced growth of the homeschool movement.

Conclusion

• Significant for understanding the balance between social order and individual liberty.
• Encouragement to explore further resources for AP exam preparation.