A Nationwide Epidemic Of Segregation In Schools
Together sixty-five percent of kindergarten classrooms are made up of African Americans and Hispanic individuals. On the contrary, only eighteen percent of them are being admitted into gifted and talented programs. America's school system and student population remain segregated, by race and class. Inequalities still remain in schools; this is not just the result of poorly managed schools; it reflects how society still contains racial and socio-economic discrimination. Most of the problems of schools come from either racism in or outside the school or financial inequality between wealthy and poor school districts. Since schools receive funding through local property taxes, low-income communities start at an economic disadvantage. The editorial essay proves that students that identify as Hispanic and African-American are being segregated from advance schools. However, every student regarding their race, socio-economic, legal, and health status should have the opportunity to attend gifted schools if their grades uphold the criteria.
The Editorial Board's essay discusses significant issues, such as segregation, that are still evident in today's society. Professor Allison Roda from Molloy College states, 'the city's system is the third most-segregated in the country'. This is regarding the public education system established in New York City. This essay explains how individuals that have Hispanic or African American heritage are infrequently admitted into schools that offer gifted or talented programs based on their socio-economic status. For such gifted schools, an admission requirement is needed, but why is it if a child gets those grades, they are still denied? Some schools do use other criteria for admission; attendance or lateness. However, this is automatically placing Hispanic and African American students at a disadvantage as 'three-quarters of black and Hispanic students miss more than five days of school per year'). In this essay, strategies are addressed to decrease such segregation. However, the mayor of New York City stresses that it is going to be difficult to change policies that have been used for years prior without any backlash.
The essay suggests that having such segregation helps maintain the expected status quo, dictating that low-income families remain poor, and rich stay wealthy. Furthermore, the status quo requires that these low-income families depend on government assistance, such as low-income housing and welfare. Due to the income within household groups, the poorest people live in the same communities; it is allowing only unprivileged children to attend the same schools. They do not have the opportunity to participate in a gifted school as the government would not put such a prestigious school in their community. Money, health, family, and housing stability are common aspects of their life that restrict the students from being able to participate in such prestigious schools. The majority of poor people feel they have no opportunity to transcend in the classroom. The class restrictions and the property taxes that fund their schools do not relieve their stress. Those of the lower class often have insecurities about going to school as they do not feel accepted. Since the gifted schools mostly consist of Caucasians and Asians, the African American and Hispanic students do not feel comfortable as they lack proper school supplies. Many of the underprivileged students can barely secure a pencil and paper. Schools regularly suppress minority and African American students; however, when a school's enrollment contains a vast racial majority, why is that the case? If students have no exposure to people of different ethnicities, cultures, races, and religions, then these students will not know how to socialize amongst a diverse group.
Though there are great context and discussion points within this essay, there is no particular points or argument. It merely kept addressing that African American and Hispanic students are segregated against, and they are working towards a solution. However, it does not state the action steps and what the final solution will be or should be. The essay is very eye-opening as I am not familiar with such segregation. As a young Caucasian citizen in Canada, as a race, most do not feel segregated against or have felt that there were limitations to aspects of life; school. It is also very informative as it included some facts. For example, the essay states, that about one in ten Hispanic or African American students resided in temporary housing. However, I think it should have touched on why the African American and Hispanic students miss class. Possibly where they live public transportation is not available, and their parents cannot afford or do not have a car. Those students have disadvantages like where they are geographically living. Thus, it would take the student too long to walk to the testing for the gifted school. The tone is a very crucial component in essays. For such a topic, a passionate, firm tone, and diction are required. However, it felt relaxed and did not make the subject come across as critical. Being denied to advanced education is a massive problem as the students want to better their lives and themselves. They should not have to be turned away because of race, social status, family income, or health issues.
Segregation is not only an issue in America, but it is still present in Canada. Changes need to be made to alter such admission requirements. Segregation is when you neglect someone or something from others. Being as young as four, and having to face rejection can do psychological damage and make them question their self-worth. This is why New York needs to make drastic changes to its education system. To improve the issue, making gifted schools more easily accessible to the African American and Hispanic students could help. For example, since many of the talented schools are located in expensive neighborhoods, there should be more situated in close proximity to communities such as the Bronx. Being segregated just based on your ethnic background is horrible; no outside factors like health, money, social status, and family dynamics should never be taken into consideration for an academic school. If students are successful in achieving the admission average, then that is all that should matter. Students offer a variety of skills and could have such opportunities in the future. However, when they are restricted to a particular school based on financial stability, the true potential of a student might not be fully shown. For example, a young African American or Hispanic student could have a cure for cancer. However, they might be denied access to the gifted programs simply because they are in the foster system. These outside factors need to be removed to ensure every student has a fair chance.
New York cities' education system needs to change. Segregation is unfair and unjust. When admitting students in such prestigious schools, marks should be the only factor. Unfortunately, African American and Hispanic students are still being neglected in the twenty-first century. The American school systems need to reflect on how their policies are negatively affecting the students; young students have such potential for greatness. However, if the students are not rising to their full potential based on factors they cannot control, rejection will only enhance such poor behaviors. Changes need to be made to make this system more inclusive and equitable.
