Is there an undercurrent of racism among private schools in the US? These institutions are primarily attended by a majority of White students. Although the period of racial conflicts has long since gone, its effect may still linger in the nation's educational system.
White Students Dominate Private Schools in West, South US
Most instances where White students dominate private schools happen in the West and South US. Findings by the Southern Education Foundation (SEC) determined that these private institutions are virtually all-white, meaning at least 90 percent of the students are White Americans. Students of color, including African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans are underrepresented in private schools.
Is Racial Segregation In The Past To Blame?
Greg Forster from the Friedman Foundation for Educational Students is not surprised by the analysis. He explains that most students coming from white families are able to better afford than others. Furthermore, African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans have been conditioned by the past to not aspire for the best.
"The fact is that, over the years, African American families and non-white families have come to understand that these private schools are not schools that are open to them, especially in light of their traditional role and history related to desegregation of public schools," Forster said as reported by The Washington Post.
The continuing reality of segregated schools in America https://t.co/Aqf77YDzEM via @nytmag
— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 1, 2015
Private Schools Have The Prerogative Of Who To Admit
According to SEC, private schools in the South and West of US are the ones that make the choice of admission over their students. To not practice desegregation would mean a violation of the US constitution. Therefore, all schools must have a non-discriminatory policy and publicly declare non-discrimination on any student "on the basis of race, color, or national origin." However, SEC suggests that these are measures that are only "perfunctory" on the surface.
On the other hand, public schools are becoming increasingly diverse. That is to say, these institutions enroll any student whether they are White, African American, Hispanic or Native American.
