New York City's school system, often hailed as a beacon of diversity, remains one of the most racially segregated in the U.S. despite decades of reform efforts. A new investigation in The Race Gap in the U.S. series uncovers how historical policies and modern systemic barriers continue to trap generations of African American students in under-resourced schools.
The Roots of Division
Since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, NYC has seen waves of integration initiatives – from magnet programs to redistricting. Yet 69% of Black students today attend schools where over 90% of peers are people of color, compared to just 10% of white students. Experts cite zoning laws and unequal funding as key drivers.
\"Separate and Unequal\" in 2024
Data shows schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods receive $1,200 less per student annually than those in majority-white areas. One Bronx high school lacks AP courses and functional science labs, while a Manhattan school 10 miles away offers robotics programs and college partnerships. Activists argue this disparity reinforces racial wealth gaps.
Voices for Change
\"We’re fighting the same battles our grandparents did,\" says educator and City Council member Yusef Salaam, referencing both historical segregation and his personal experience as a Central Park Five exoneree. Grassroots groups now push for housing reform and weighted school funding models to break the cycle.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
