Segregation Is Alive And Well In NYC Schools In 2014 Because, Racism

I grew up in a predominantly Hispanic area, which is why I was saddened to read about what The Civil Rights Project calls the state with “the most segregated schools in the country.” Unfortunately, I am talking about New York State.

In the 2014 report entitled New York State’s Extreme School Segregation: Inequality, Inaction and a Damaged Future, New York has been named as the state with the most segregated schools in the country:

In 2009, black and Latino students in the state had the highest concentration in intensely-segregated public schools (less than 10% white enrollment), the lowest exposure to white students, and the most uneven distribution with white students across schools. Heavily impacting these state rankings is New York City, home to the largest and one of the most segregated public school systems in the nation.

While school desegregation was a major concern 40 years ago, New York moved away from integration because of reported “local and political resistance.” This led to a greater focus on other educational issues””including school choice, charter schools, and accountability systems. By the time the new millennium hit, segregation was back with a vengeance:

In New York City, the area has been experiencing significant school choice programs and policies that are exacerbating racial isolation as demographics continue to change.

The report details more precise instances of segregation in New York City and throughout New York state: “The majority (close to 90% or above) of segregation is occurring among rather than within upstate districts.”

I’m sure that I am not alone in finding the results of this report shocking. I’d love to think that our educational systems have come a long way, and perhaps I have blinders on because of my upbringing, but this report proves otherwise.

I agree with the report authors on this one””evidence of segregation in New York State schools is extreme. If issues like this aren’t brought to light to correct inequality, New York is certainly in store for a “damaged future.”

(Image: Humannet/Shutterstock)