An Issue of Racism in The Us Educational Sector

The Fight for Racial Equality in the United States

The history of the United States has been marked by a long and arduous journey toward achieving equality. In particular, the American people have faced significant challenges in their struggle for racial equality. From the era of slavery to post-Civil War segregation and the civil rights movements, the fight for racial equality has persistently occupied the attention of the American government. Significant strides have been made to combat racial inequality in America. For instance, the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments all address the provision of equal rights to the slaves who were emancipated following the Civil War. Influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks galvanized the nation to rally behind the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. More recently, the country made history by electing, and then re-electing, its first African-American president. Although the progress achieved thus far is monumental, there remains considerable work to be done to forge a nation that embodies true and comprehensive racial equality.

An Issue of Racism in the U.S. Educational Sector

In 2012, a pivotal study was conducted to examine racial equality within the education system, yielding results that were both alarming and eye-opening. The study revealed that, although only eighteen percent of preschoolers were Black, a staggering forty-eight percent of school suspensions for preschoolers involved Black children. Furthermore, Black students are three times more likely to face expulsion compared to their white counterparts. Schools with predominantly Black student populations are less likely to offer a comprehensive range of math and science courses. These institutions also tend to have less experienced teachers and overall weaker educational systems (Hsieh, 2012). According to this study, America continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality.

The findings from this study are deeply troubling. These students are denied equal opportunities compared to white students, resulting in limited prospects for their future. In a system that exhibits such racial bias, even if explicit acts of discrimination are less frequent, true racial equality remains elusive. This inherent inequality burdens society's consciousness and perpetuates stereotypes against certain races. For instance, African-Americans are disproportionately associated with crime compared to white individuals. This stereotype is reflected in the statistics from Hsieh’s study, which highlight the high percentage of suspensions among African-American children. The concern is that such stereotypes may lead to unjust accusations against Black children solely based on their race. While the inequality observed in Hsieh’s study may not have been intentional, it necessitates correction to prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes that could exacerbate societal issues in the future.

While the evidence points to the prevalence of racial inequality in schools, some individuals may dispute the existence of racial inequality in America. They might argue that geographical location is the primary driver of inequality, with more people of color residing in disadvantaged areas. Additionally, they may contend that weak school systems result from low income rather than race. However, the correlation between disadvantaged locations and communities of color further exacerbates racial inequality within society. Moreover, research has demonstrated a direct relationship between low income and race, indicating that inadequate school systems are another facet of racial inequality. Although alternative factors contributing to the problem may exist, many of these factors can be traced back to the persistent racial inequality that has quietly lingered in the nation over the years.

While the government must strike a balance between intervention and preserving the nation's foundational principle of freedom, there are still measures that can be taken to mitigate racial inequality in America’s schools. For example, the government could mandate a standardized curriculum across all school systems, ensuring that students enter life with equal opportunities. Additionally, stricter regulations could be implemented to guarantee that teachers possess the necessary qualifications and credentials. By regulating the education system more comprehensively, the government could demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing racial inequality in America. This would entail taking decisive action against discriminatory practices and challenging the stereotypes that arise from racial inequality. If the government is willing to implement a few targeted regulations, racial discrimination against students can be effectively addressed.

While these governmental actions would likely reduce racial inequality, some critics may argue that they would also curtail individual freedoms. Standardizing school curricula nationwide might diminish the quality of education and increase competition, potentially leaving behind students who would otherwise excel. Additionally, stricter regulations on teacher qualifications might make it more challenging for new educators to secure employment, potentially raising the unemployment rate. Furthermore, enforcing anti-discrimination laws could present challenges, such as individuals being wrongly accused of racial discrimination despite acting in good faith. While these measures could alleviate racial inequality for people of color, they may inadvertently increase racial inequality for white individuals. Critics argue that implementing these regulations could create more problems than they would solve.

Although these concerns hold some merit, they do not accurately reflect the potential benefits of addressing racial inequality in education. Standardizing school curricula would provide all students with a fair chance to succeed, as some students currently lack access to essential resources and opportunities. Regulating teacher qualifications would not increase unemployment but rather ensure that educators are genuinely equipped to guide students toward success. To ensure fairness in enforcing anti-discrimination laws, both parties involved should be heard by an impartial jury. A balanced jury could be composed of representatives from various racial backgrounds, with clear instructions to focus on the issue at hand rather than race. With these thoughtful regulations in place, America can strive to eliminate racial inequality and foster a more equitable society.

References

Hsieh, C. (2012). Racial Inequality in the Education System. [Study].