Continuing the Fight for Educational Equity: Reflecting on MLK Day
MLK Day Reflection: The Ongoing Fight for Educational Equity and the Path Forward
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we take a look at the progress made towards equal education opportunities for all, the ongoing struggles and key cases that have shaped the fight for educational equity. We also outline the path forward for achieving educational equity in our schools and invite readers to join the ongoing fight for justice in education.
January 15, 2023
Continuing the Fight for Educational Equity: Reflecting on MLK Day
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reflect on the progress made towards equal education opportunities for all, we must also acknowledge the ongoing fight for justice in our schools. Despite the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional, black students continue to face discrimination and disparities in their educational experiences.
Key Cases in the Fight for Educational Equity
Brown v. Board of Education (1954) - This landmark Supreme Court case declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, laying the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.
Meredith v. Fair (1962) - The Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling that James Meredith had the right to enroll in the University of Mississippi, which led to the desegregation of the university.
Green v. County School Board (1968) - This Supreme Court case held that "freedom of choice" plans, which allowed parents to choose which school their child would attend, were inadequate to remedy the effects of past discrimination and that more affirmative action was needed to desegregate schools.
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (1971) - The Supreme Court upheld the use of busing as a means to desegregate schools, allowing for the use of busing as a tool to achieve desegregation of schools
Milliken v. Bradley (1974) - The Supreme Court held that federal courts could not order cross-district remedies (busing students from one district to another) to desegregate schools, narrowing the scope of desegregation efforts
Current Struggles in the Fight for Educational Equity
Resegregation of schools - Despite the progress made in desegregating schools following the Brown v. Board of Education decision, many schools have become resegregated in recent years due to a combination of factors such as housing discrimination, school zoning, and the expansion of charter schools.
Disproportionate disciplinary actions for students of color - Black students are disproportionately suspended and expelled from schools, and are more likely to be referred to the criminal justice system for disciplinary infractions. This contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline.
Inadequate funding for schools in low-income areas - Schools in low-income areas often have fewer resources and less experienced teachers than schools in wealthier areas, leading to disparities in educational outcomes.
Racial disparities in academic achievement - Black students continue to lag behind white students in academic achievement, with higher dropout rates and lower test scores.
The Path Forward: Strategies for Achieving Educational Equity
Address the root causes of resegregation - This can include policies to promote housing integration and combat housing discrimination, as well as efforts to desegregate schools through methods such as controlled choice and magnet schools.
Implement restorative justice practices and alternatives to zero-tolerance disciplinary policies - This can include practices such as restorative circles and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), which have been shown to reduce disciplinary actions and improve school climate.
Increase funding for schools in low-income areas - This can include efforts to increase funding for schools through policies such as progressive taxation and targeted funding for schools serving high-poverty communities.
Address racial disparities in academic achievement - This can include providing additional support and resources for black students, such as culturally responsive teaching and mentoring programs, and increasing the number of black teachers and administrators.
Increase community and parent engagement in education - Encouraging and supporting parents and community members to become more involved in their children's education can help to improve educational outcomes and promote equity.
As education lawyers, it is our duty to continue this fight and advocate for the rights of all students. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or disparities in their educational experiences, please do not hesitate to contact one of our civil rights lawyers for assistance. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable education system for all.