Education Law Center, Inc.

The Education Law Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting educational equity through advocacy and litigation. Primarily operating in New Jersey, its mission is to ensure that all public school children have access to quality educational resources, emphasizing the needs of disadvantaged students.

History

The Education Law Center was founded in 1973 by Professor Paul Tractenberg, a longstanding advocate in education law. This initiative was supported by the Ford Foundation, which provided significant funding for the organization's early years. One of the ELC's most notable early efforts was its involvement in the Abbot v. Burke case in 1981, a landmark litigation that led to the New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that the state must ensure urban children receive an education comparable to their suburban peers[2].

Mission and Objectives

The ELC focuses on several key areas:

• Legal Advocacy: Providing free legal representation and assisting in litigation related to education rights, including special education, discipline, and bullying cases[4][5].
• Policy Influence: Advocating for education policies and laws that promote equity and quality in public education, often aligning with the priorities of teachers' unions[2].
• Community Engagement: Building partnerships with local communities and organizations to improve educational outcomes[4].

Notable Litigation and Initiatives

• Education Funding Litigation: The ELC has been instrumental in cases like the Abbot v. Burke decisions, which compelled the state to improve funding and educational resources for urban schools[2][4].
• National Litigation Partnerships: Collaborating with law firms and advocacy groups across the U.S. to advance education equity through strategic litigation, including cases such as D.R. v. Michigan Department of Education and Lopez v. Schwartz[4].

Leadership and Governance

The ELC is currently led by Robert Kim, with Elizabeth Athos serving as a senior attorney. The organization is governed by a board of directors composed of diverse professionals in education and law[2][5].

Financial Information

In recent years, the ELC has reported significant revenue and expenditures focused on advocating for public education issues. For example, in 2021, it reported approximately $5.8 million in revenue and over $3.5 million in expenses[2].

Impact and Relevance

The Education Law Center plays a crucial role in New Jersey's education landscape by providing legal advocacy and championing policies that enhance educational opportunities for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.