Courtrooms and Classrooms: A Legal History of College Access, 1860-1960

Scott M. Gelber's Courtrooms and Classrooms examines the legal history of college access in the United States from 1860 to 1960. The book analyzes court cases concerning admissions, expulsions, tuition, and child support related to college expenses, revealing how judicial interpretations evolved alongside societal views on higher education. Gelber explores the interplay between legal precedents, particularly those concerning common schools, and the development of "academic deference"—the tendency of courts to avoid interfering with university decisions. The study highlights how political and social factors, such as populism and changing views on race and gender, influenced legal outcomes and the shifting balance of power between universities and students. Ultimately, the book traces the transformation of college access from a more accessible system in the 19th century to a more institutionally-controlled one by the mid-20th century. You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms: https://linktr.ee/book_shelter Get the Book now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Courtrooms-Classrooms-History-College-1860-1960/dp/1421418843?&linkCode=ll1&tag=cvthunderx-20&linkId=5f137d53028b38090f0fb23ebfdbd0fe&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Produced by: https://www.podcaistudio.com/