Dec 15, 2024 Story by: Editor
Seventy years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case deemed segregated education for Black students inherently unequal, Black students in California continue to face disparities in treatment, opportunities, and outcomes. Historical injustices have perpetuated systemic inequalities in education, limiting access to vital opportunities.
A recent report examines educational equity, justice, and repair for Black students in California, drawing from history, legal cases, and a wealth of federal, state, and district data. Perspectives from students, parents, and educators further illuminate these challenges. The report highlights 24 documented inequality areas, illustrating the lasting impact of systemic oppression on Black students. It also explores opportunities for reform, gaps in legislation, and transformative solutions to support California’s Black students.
This “Report Card” offers a glimpse into a comprehensive study scheduled for release in fall 2024.
Troubling Trends: Declining Enrollment and School Closures
An analysis of 40 years of California Department of Education data reveals two alarming trends requiring immediate action:
- Schools with higher Black student populations are disproportionately closed.
- A “Black Exodus” is underway, with Black student enrollment plummeting by 47%—from 510,000 in 2003 to 273,148 in 2023.
These trends are interconnected with other documented inequalities and highlight systemic failures. The report provides recommendations at multiple levels—state, district, and school—to address these issues effectively.
A Legacy of Educational Inequities
The report traces the roots of these inequalities to historical laws, court cases, and systemic neglect. Key milestones in the struggle for educational equity include:
- Ward v. Flood (1874): Allowed segregated schools for Black and Indigenous students.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared separate education for Black students unequal.
- Larry P. Case (1979): Exposed misuse of standardized tests to segregate Black students in special education.
- Prop 209 (1996): Ended affirmative action in California’s public institutions.
24 Inequalities in Focus
The report identifies disparities across various domains, including academic performance, school climate, and mental health. Key findings include:
- Under-identification in Gifted Programs: Only 3% of California’s Black students were identified as “gifted and talented” in 2021, despite representing 5% of the student population.
- Chronic Absenteeism: In 2022-23, 37% of Black students were chronically absent compared to 20% of white students.
- Special Education Over-representation: Black students made up 10% of those diagnosed with emotional disturbance, although they accounted for just 5% of total enrollment.
- Graduation Gaps: Only 78% of Black students graduated high school in 2023, compared to 90% of white students.
Voices from the Community
Advocates and educators are calling for bold action to address these systemic inequities.
“Brown v. Board of Education was promoted as a pathway to educational equality, but 70 years later, Inglewood Unified School District crystalizes how little things have actually changed,” said John Hughes, an Inglewood educator. “White supremacy still rules the day as a single white man with absolute power controls a district with 99% students of color.”
Parent advocate Karesha Boyd emphasized the need for targeted investments:
“To truly support Black students and families in Stockton, we must prioritize investing in Black student achievement… Mandating Black history and ethnic studies is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.”
Transformative Programs
Several initiatives aim to counteract these inequities, including:
- LA Unified’s Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP): Provides academic and social-emotional support for Black students.
- Oakland Unified African American Male Achievement Program: Addresses disparities through tailored interventions.
One BSAP student highlighted the program’s impact:
“I am fortunate to benefit from the many services of BSAP… These services helped me with college applications, FAFSA, and homework, as well as providing social/emotional support.”
The Path Forward
The report concludes with actionable recommendations to create equitable opportunities for Black students in California. These include reimagining school systems, reinvesting in underserved communities, and addressing anti-Black policies. A steadfast commitment to accountability and oversight is critical to ensuring lasting change. Source: ACLU California Action
