This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

The founding charter of Girard School in Philadelphia opened admissions to 'poor, white, male orphans.' Petitioners, two indigent orphans were denied admissions because they were Black. The City of Philadelphia was named as trustee of the Girard School and assumed financial and administrative authority over the school. The Orphans Court upheld the adverse admissions decisions. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

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Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.