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Court Recognizes Autonomy Of Private Schools

1818

New Hampshire seeks to take control of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., and turn it into a public college. But the trustees, who want Dartmouth to remain private, sue. The case, Trustees of Dartmouth v. Woodward, will reach the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818. In a 5-1 decision, the Court will rule that a private educational institution cannot be taken over by a state against its will. The decision permits private institutions to exist side by side with public institutions and to solicit private gifts and grants for support.