School desegregation - a case study

YOUR CHILDREN ARE VERY GREATLY IN DANGER by Justin Murphy deals with School Segregation in Rochester, New York. Murphy, the education reporter for the local paper named Democrat and Chronicle, explores the history of school segregation from the time (mid 1800s) when Frederick Douglass lived there to the present day, describing Rochester as a test case with state and national implications. He identifies three main themes: “persistent white opposition to racial integration… [which] tended to soften only where it would benefit white families in some way … [and] victories were earned through the long advocacy of Black parents.” Although he presents quotes and arguments from all sides, Murphy states, “the consensus … is clear; desegregation and integration offer the greatest opportunity to improve population-level educational and economic outcomes for children of color in the United States.” YOUR CHILDREN ARE VERY GREATLY IN DANGER is a fascinating read which concludes with ambitious recommendations for direct, concrete action: a comprehensive report assessing the viability of a unified countywide school system; written policies for greater equity relative to the Urban-Suburban program; and “intensive antiracism education for children and adults in all Rochester-area school districts.” I agree that there is application in other areas and I know of several Junior Theme students who will be interested in the material which Murphy so eloquently presents.