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Theodore B. Olson, the former U.S. Solicitor General, previewed arguments yesterday in Vergara v. California, a lawsuit that strives to protect equal educational opportunity in California by ensuring that all students have access to effective teaching.

Speaking at the National Summit on Education Reform in Boston, Olson appeared with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and stressed the importance of taking action through the courts.

“We must help these students,” he said. “Every day that goes by, we’re causing irreparable damage. “We’re perpetuating a system that’s devastating the people who need our help the most. It’s devastating to the economy, it’s devastating to morale, it’s devastating to democracy, and it’s devastating to the American dream.”

Olson represents nine California public school children in Vergara, a lawsuit sponsored by Students Matter challenging five provisions of the California education code that plaintiffs say deprive students of their fundamental right to equal access to quality education. The trial starts Jan. 27.

To watch more videos of Olson in Boston, visit the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s Youtube channel here.

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