It has been more than 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Brown v. Board of Education, ruling that racially segregated public schools were unconstitutional. Over the years, the judgment has had its share of challengers but, with a few exceptions, the decision has remained on solid ground. Things may be changing, however.

The high court has agreed to consider two separate lawsuits filed in Seattle and Louisville. The white parents involved in each suit say the public school systems in their area unconstitutionally discriminate based on race. These will be the first race-related constitutional cases for President Bush’s recently appointed, conservative justices, John Roberts and Samuel A. Alito. With the court stacked in favor of the conservatives, these cases have the potential to upset the landmark Brown ruling, forever affecting the educational opportunities available to our children.

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