Delaware Constitutional Law Law News - Delaware Passes Amendment to Constitution Guaranteeing Right to Public Education
On June 7, 2026, the state of Delaware made history by passing a landmark amendment to its constitution guaranteeing every citizen's right to a public education. The amendment, which was overwhelmingly approved by both the state legislature and voters in a referendum, marks a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to education for all Delaware residents.The amendment states that "Every person in the State of Delaware shall have the right to a free and equal public education, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, in schools that meet high standards of quality and accountability." This language enshrines the right to education as a fundamental right for all Delawareans, regardless of their background or circumstances.Advocates for the amendment hailed its passage as a victory for justice and equality in education. "This amendment is a crucial step towards addressing the systemic inequities that have long plagued our education system," said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the Delaware Education Equity Coalition. "By guaranteeing the right to a public education, we are taking a critical step towards ensuring that every child in Delaware has the opportunity to succeed and thrive."The amendment was introduced in the state legislature earlier this year and garnered broad bipartisan support. Governor Jane Smith, who championed the amendment, called it a "historic moment for Delaware." "Education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every individual in our state," Governor Smith said in a statement. "By enshrining the right to a public education in our constitution, we are making a clear and unequivocal statement that every child in Delaware deserves access to a high-quality education."The passage of the amendment comes at a time when education funding and equity have been hot-button issues in Delaware and across the country. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need to address disparities in educational opportunity and outcomes, particularly for low-income students and students of color. The new constitutional guarantee of the right to education is seen as a crucial step towards rectifying these disparities and providing all Delawareans with a level playing field.With the passage of this amendment, Delaware joins a growing number of states that have enshrined the right to education in their constitutions. Advocates hope that this bold move will serve as a model for other states to follow and help pave the way towards a more equitable and just education system for all Americans.