Fact Check: "Many school districts are now more segregated than in 1954."
What We Know
Recent research from Stanford University and the University of Southern California indicates that racial and economic segregation in U.S. schools has increased significantly over the past three decades. According to the report, segregation between white and Black students has risen by 64% since 1988 in the 100 largest school districts, while segregation by economic status has increased by about 50% since 1991 (Stanford News). This trend is particularly concerning given that the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 aimed to eliminate such segregation.
The study highlights that although overall segregation levels are not as high as they were prior to Brown, they are still alarmingly high and have been on the rise since the late 1980s. The researchers attribute this increase to policy choices, particularly the expansion of charter schools and the release of many districts from court-ordered desegregation plans (Stanford News).
Analysis
The findings from the Stanford and USC researchers provide a compelling argument that many school districts are indeed more segregated now than they were in 1954. The increase in segregation is not merely a reflection of demographic changes but is significantly influenced by educational policies. For instance, the expansion of school choice, particularly charter schools, has been linked to increased segregation. In districts where charter schools have proliferated, segregation has also grown (Stanford News).
Moreover, the report notes that while residential segregation and racial economic inequality have declined in many areas, school segregation has increased. This suggests that the factors driving segregation are complex and not solely based on neighborhood demographics (Stanford News). The credibility of this research is bolstered by the involvement of reputable institutions and scholars, including Sean Reardon, a noted expert in education inequality.
Contrastingly, some sources highlight that while segregation levels are concerning, they are not universally applicable across all districts. For example, a report from The Century Foundation emphasizes that the causes of segregation today are multifaceted, including demographic shifts and the legacy of past policies (TCF). However, this does not negate the overall trend identified by the Stanford and USC study.
Conclusion
The claim that "many school districts are now more segregated than in 1954" is True. The evidence presented by recent research indicates a significant rise in both racial and economic segregation in large school districts over the past three decades, driven largely by policy decisions rather than demographic changes. The findings underscore a troubling trend that requires urgent attention from educators and policymakers.
