Wisconsin v. Yoder 406 U.S. 205 (1972) is the case in which the United States Supreme Court found that Amish children could not be placed under compulsory education past 8th grade, as it violated their fundamental right to freedom of religion.

Facts

Three different parents pulled their children out of school in the eighth grade, all for the same reason: high school education was wrong from a theological angle. The three families were all represented by Yoder when the case went to trial. The state had originally wanted to enforce the compulsory education laws, but upon looking into the circumstances, it was understood that specifically in Amish religion, compulsory education is a deterrent to the free exercise thereof.

Result

The court ruled in favor of Yoder in a 6 to 1 decision. The case started in Green County, Yoder believed that their children learned everything needed in Elementary School and Middle School. He saw High School as social life and not education. This case later moved to the Supreme Court.