The Most Diverse City in the US is Home to One of the Most Segregated School Systems
New York City has changed significantly over the past 50 years. From its increased racial diversity and gay tolerance, to the changes in wealth disparity, the city has definitely moved forward in many aspects. Although, one aspect has yet to advance: the city’s public school system remains one of the most segregated in the nation.
Black and Latino children in the city of New York face an unbelievable disadvantage because of their inferior K-8 education. To receive admission into the top public city high schools, students must perform well on the SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test). These children never had a chance to do well on the SHSAT because of the “mind-crippling” K-8 education they received. At one point in 2018, Mayor de Blasio attempted to propose a plan that would discard the exam and overturn the law, known as the Hecht-Calandra Act.
“Can anyone look the parent of a Latino or black child in the eye and tell them their precious daughter or son has an equal chance to get into one of their city’s best high schools?” the mayor asked. He called the paltry numbers of black and Hispanic students in the specialized high schools “a monumental injustice.” Opponents of the mayor’s plan have said it could water down the schools’ academics and that it discriminates against Asian students, who would lose about half their seats at specialized schools under his plan.
Furthermore, although many are capable, a disproportionate amount of Black and Latino children are denied access to the city’s Gifted and Talented programs.
As progressive as New York City has become, it has yet to be successful in altering this problematic school system. How have they not been able to take steps toward change? What factors drive the city or politicians to not want to take immediate action? Do these motivating factors concern money? Power? Racism?
These are the questions I still need to be answered. One would think that in the most diverse and forward thinking city in America, this would not be such a huge issue.
