What key issue was addressed in Lau v. Nichols?

The key issue addressed in Lau v. Nichols was the denial of English-language instruction to students of Chinese ancestry in San Francisco's public schools. This case highlighted the importance of providing equal educational opportunities to students, regardless of their English language proficiency. The Supreme Court ruled that the lack of adequate language support constituted a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as it disproportionately affected non-English speaking students, limiting their ability to participate meaningfully in the educational process.

The court's decision underscored the responsibility of schools to ensure that all students, including those who are not proficient in English, receive the necessary resources and support to achieve educational equity. This ruling established a precedent that language barriers must be addressed to avoid discrimination, thereby reinforcing the legal foundation for bilingual education and English language support programs in public schools.