Tanya McDowell, the homeless Black Connecticut mother who was charged with felony larceny last year after she was caught lying about her home address so that her 6-year-old could attend an elementary school in a good district, was slapped with a 12-year sentence earlier this month.

The Mom, who only wanted her young son to get the best education that she could provide, is also indebted to the state for $6,200.  What is the fine for? It is for “stealing” educational services for her child.

McDowell is just one of countless parents who live in impoverished areas across the country, yet still want their children to have a fighting chance at getting an education that is solid.

The inequalities in education among the haves and have-nots has been the subject of many staunch debates throughout the years.  McDowell’s cause célèbre is a clear-cut case that depicts the gaping disparities in both the wealth and quality of education across this country.