U.S. Supreme Court Says “No” to Equal Opportunity in Education

PTA: A Step Backward for School Integration

St. Louis (June 28, 2007)—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against diversity in schools, taking a significant step backward in ensuring inclusive, multi-racial student bodies. PTA is disappointed in the Court’s ruling. As parents and teachers, we are doing everything we can to see every child’s potential made a reality and to educate children in a world that is rapidly changing and diverse. (For more information, see these articles in Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Courier-Journal.)

It is abundantly clear that to prepare children, education must include learning with children from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds. We know geography and economic status often create homogenous communities; however, schools can and should serve as bridges to connect children, families and communities. By limiting the ability of school districts to use narrowly-tailored criteria to create inclusive schools, the Court is undermining the importance of providing our children with the opportunities and advantages of a diverse learning environment.

Children educated in multi-racial educational settings learn tolerance, become comfortable with members of other ethnic and racial groups, and develop critical thinking skills. Ideally, every neighborhood school would provide such a multiracial setting. Bridging the gap between communities not only ensures a level of educational equity within the school district, but helps break down barriers among various segments within the broader community. A democratic society demands equal opportunity to learn.

PTA stands ready to work with schools across the country to find real world solutions to ensure an inclusive school environment for every child.