An American law that blocks placement of Native American children with non-native American families was ruled illegal earlier this month. A federal judge in Texas announced the decision, surprising many native groups. The judge said the Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA, of 1978, is unfair. He said it gives Native Americans seeking to adopt children favorable treatment based on race. He said that violates the equal protection guarantee in the U.S. Constitution. Most tribes see the ruling as a continuation of years of culturally destructive U.S. government policies. Children are responsible for continuing the cultures and traditions of their tribes. So, they argue, native children need to remain in native homes.