This case study outlines the struggle for desegregation and the adoption of culturally responsive curricula in the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) as it attempted to balance state politics and federal court oversight. The case offers a detailed illustration of the political and legal events that led up to the adoption, elimination, and reinstatement of the TUSD Mexican American Studies (MAS) program. With a focus on social justice and the power of culturally relevant curricula, educational leaders are encouraged to consider these events from the perspective of different stakeholders in evaluating future policy alternatives for MAS in Tucson.