Fact Check: "Research shows released districts often see greater racial segregation."
What We Know
Recent research indicates that racial segregation in U.S. schools has been on the rise, particularly in districts that have been released from court-ordered desegregation. A report from the UCLA Civil Rights Project highlights that charter schools exhibit significantly higher levels of racial segregation compared to magnet schools within the same districts. Specifically, the study found that 59% of charter schools were intensely segregated (over 90% Black, Latino, American Indian, or Multiracial) in 2021, compared to only 36% of magnet schools (UCLA Civil Rights Project).
Additionally, a study from Stanford and USC revealed that racial segregation among schools in large districts has increased by 64% since 1988, with the expansion of charter schools identified as a major contributing factor. The researchers noted that policies favoring school choice over integration have exacerbated this trend (Stanford University).
Analysis
The findings from both the UCLA and Stanford studies provide substantial evidence supporting the claim that released districts often experience increased racial segregation. The UCLA report specifically addresses the comparison between charter and magnet schools, indicating that even in districts with a high percentage of students of color, magnet schools manage to maintain lower levels of segregation. This suggests that the operational frameworks and goals of these school types significantly influence their racial compositions (UCLA Civil Rights Project).
The Stanford and USC research further corroborates these findings by demonstrating a broader trend of increasing segregation in large school districts, particularly after they were released from court oversight. The researchers assert that this rise in segregation is largely driven by policy decisions rather than demographic changes, emphasizing that the expansion of charter schools has played a pivotal role in this trend (Stanford University).
Both studies are published by reputable institutions with a strong history of research in civil rights and education policy, lending credibility to their findings. The UCLA Civil Rights Project has been recognized for its extensive work on segregation statistics, and the Stanford Educational Opportunity Project is well-regarded for its rigorous analysis of educational disparities (UCLA Civil Rights Project, Stanford University).
Conclusion
The claim that "research shows released districts often see greater racial segregation" is True. The evidence from multiple studies indicates a clear correlation between the release of districts from court-ordered desegregation and an increase in racial segregation within those districts. The findings highlight the significant impact of school choice policies, particularly the growth of charter schools, on the racial composition of schools.
