The Los Angeles Superior Court ruled on Tuesday that California's teacher tenure laws are unconstitutional because they deprive students of an education.
In the court case, Vergara v. California, it was argued that due to tenure and hiring laws, it was difficult and expensive to fire teachers, who are considered to be underperforming or just simply not very good, after they hit tenure at 18 months, reports The New York Times.
The laws affects students because once teachers hit tenure, they are essentially guaranteed a permanent position and might not perform at a high rate any longer.
"Substantial evidence presented makes it clear to this court that the challenged statutes disproportionately affect poor and/or minority students," Judge Rolf M. Treu ruled. "The evidence is compelling. Indeed, it shocks the conscience."
Theodore Boutrous, attorney for the plaintiffs - the group Students Matter, argued that "Teaching is one profession in the world where you cannot tell a person they are not doing a good job," and according to CBS Local, he believed about five laws needed to be struck down.
Though the plaintiffs were handed a legal victory, both sides have previously indicated they will fight any ruling they dislike, likely eventually taking the case before the Supreme Court, meaning that this issue is far from resolved.