Posted in Education Politics

The cities on the west side of Jordan School District are, one by one, deciding to abandon the legal challenge to the school district split, and it is looking like Jordan will end up split three ways. The east side cities will become one district, West Jordan will be a second new district. Bluffdale, Riverton, Herriman and South Jordan will the the remaining district.

This challenge, which is based on a theory that not allowing the entire district to vote violates the 14th amendment's equal protection clause, is a bit thin to begin with. The state AG has already issued an informal opinion that the current statute is constitutional. His opinion is strongly supported by case law. On top of that, there is an inherent disconnect between the challenge and the facts. How can the "one man, one vote" issue be legitimate when the citizens of the seceding cities don't have a voice in the planning and land use policies of the cities bringing the suit?

Update

The SL Tribune reports that Herriman decided last night to sue, while Riverton decided to postpone a vote. If this challenge makes it all the way to court, I may have to take time off to go hear the arguments. It promises to be a very interesting case.