Maestas vs. George H. Shone

Though quickly forgotten afterward, it is considered one of the earliest known court victories involving Latinos against educational segregation.

[2] Francisco Maestas, his wife Margaret, and their children Miguel and Josie, lived at 117 Ross Avenue in Alamosa, Colorado.

[9] The school district divided the city's children as "Mexican" and "American", in spite of their language ability.

Because of this, Maestas and other members of the Mexican-American community filed a discrimination lawsuit, aided by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver and the Sociedad Protectiva de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU).

Holbrook further ruled that "in the opinion of the court... the only way to destroy this feeling of discontent and bitterness which has recently grown up, is to allow all children so prepared, to attend the school nearest them.

1912 map of Alamosa; the "Mexican Public School" is visible at left (west), on the corner of 9th and Ross. To the east of the school are "Mexican Dwellings" with dirt roofs. The Maestas children had to approach the school from the north, crossing the railway lines visible at the top (north) of the map.