Integrating Schools
I recently posted a question on Reddit that received a lot of responses. Here was the question:
Discussion: What should we do to counter the decline in integration in public schools of white and non-white students?
Historical context: May 17, 1954- We celebrate that, on May 17, 70 years ago, the Supreme Court, in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional stating, “We conclude that, in the field of public education, the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Therefore, we hold that the plaintiffs and others similarly situated for whom the actions have been brought are, by reason of the segregation complained of, deprived of the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.” This was an important step in striving for the "equality" and "general welfare" called for in the preambles to the Declaration of Independence and Constitution respectively. After struggle and heroism, integration in public schools grew peaking in the mid-to-late 1980s. In 1991, the Supreme Court allowed the easing of desegregation requirements. Since then, by several measures, integration in public schools of white and non-white students has declined. Discussion: What should be done to counter this decline? For sources go to: https://www.preamblist.org/social-media-posts
After reading the responses, here are my thoughts: I think it is a difficult question in which the solutions could also cause harm. My wife and I have the privilege of walking my three kids to our local public elementary school every school day and, during the walk, meeting up with members of the community. So I have grown to love the local neighborhood school model and would be upset if my kids had to bus to a farther away school. With that said, I do think we should take action because I believe a more integrated and inclusive society yields benefits. I am not an expert in any of this so I am sure there is much I am not considering. My neighborhood has some restrictive zoning laws that prevent denser and more affordable housing which limits diversity of income level- I think we could ease those restrictions while also ensuring that the housing that comes in has a large percentage of truly affordable units and the infrastructure to support the increased density. I also think some localities can be wiser about drawing school boundaries to encompass a more diverse student body both racially and economically. I think the most important thing to do is to ensure all schools are well-funded and I am fine with raising taxes especially on the wealthy to do this. If we provide a society in which the American Dream thrives- in which all people have the opportunity to succeed; I believe more integration will happen naturally.