...equal protection clauses, provisions on public education similar to the one in Texas, which makes it "the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools." State courts are free to interpret such state constitutional provisions to ensure greater equality...

...adopted in 1875, although it since has been amended frequently. Its education article reads in part: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools (Art.VII, Section 1)" — the provision that the Court used in 1989 to invalidate the school financing...

...constitutional deficiencies. We fixed on Article 7 of the constitution as our best hope. It reads: A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to...rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature ... to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient...

...adequacy standard played a conservative role. In Article VII, section 1, the Texas constitution states: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools." In 1989, in Edgeiuood Independent School District v. Kirby, the Texas Supreme Court interpreted this...

...Constitution. This constitution contained a clause providing that since a general diffusion of knowledge is essential to the preservation of the liberties and...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools. When the court reviewed the funding formulas across school districts, it found that the difference...

...efficient system of public schools throughout the state." See also Tex. Const, of 1876, art. 7, § 1 ("A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools"); Miss. Const, of 1868, art. VIII, § 1; Ind. Const, of 1851, art. 8, § 1. 28. See, for example, Tenn....

...that "All men . . . have equal rights," they decided to rely on Article VII, section 1, which states: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools." In this and other cases, an important change took place in the legal and political discussions about...

...New Jersey have education affirmative mandates — and in their constitutions, no less. For Texas: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools." 41 For New Jersey: "The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and...

...New Jersey have education affirmative mandates — and in their constitutions, no less. For Texas: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential...maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools."41 For New Jersey: "The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough...

...the ages of five and eighteen years." 42 Consider these provisions in the housing context: "Housing being essential to the preservation of the liberties...support and maintenance of an efficient system of housing." "The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient...