Which population did Lau vs. Nichols specifically aim to protect?

The correct answer is focused on the case of Lau vs. Nichols, which was a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1974. This case specifically aimed to address the issue of language discrimination against minority students, particularly those who were non-English speakers in the San Francisco school district. The court ruled that the school district's failure to provide adequate instruction to students who could not speak English violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

By ensuring that schools provide appropriate support and resources to help non-English speaking students access the curriculum, the decision reinforced the rights of minority students to receive an equitable education. This case set a precedent for the educational rights of English language learners, demonstrating the importance of accommodating linguistic diversity in the classroom to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.