Lum v. Rice
United States Supreme Court
275 U.S. 78 (1927)
- Written by Tammy Boggs, JD
Facts
Gong Lum (plaintiff), a taxpaying resident of Mississippi in the Rosedale school district of Bolivar County, sought to enroll his nine-year-old Chinese American daughter, Martha Lum, in Rosedale’s public school for white children. The school refused to enroll Martha on account of her being Chinese. The Mississippi constitution required the collection of appropriate taxes so that all educable children could attend a public school in their county. Although not in Rosedale, there was a separate public school in Bolivar County maintained for non-white children, which Martha could conveniently attend. Lum sued various state and school officials (defendants), alleging that Martha was entitled to attend the school in Rosedale. The trial court agreed with Lum and ordered a writ of mandamus to the state. On appeal, the Mississippi Supreme Court decided in the state’s favor because Martha was not white under the state constitution, but rather, a member of a colored race who could attend the public school for colored children in Bolivar County. Lum appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Taft, C.J.)
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