Editing School racial segregation (section)

===== Definition ===== 

Racial segregation in schools refers to the separation of students based on their race or ethnicity. This practice was particularly prevalent in the United States during the period of legal segregation known as the Jim Crow era, which lasted from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. 

During this time, laws were implemented that enforced racial segregation in many aspects of life, including education. African American students were often forced to attend separate schools that were typically underfunded, poorly equipped, and staffed by underqualified teachers. These schools were known as "separate but equal" schools, although the reality was that they were far from equal to the schools attended by white students.

The landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. The Court ruled that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." This decision was a major victory for the Civil Rights Movement and marked the beginning of efforts to desegregate schools across the United States.

Despite the legal end to racial segregation, de facto segregation in schools still exists in many parts of the United States today. This occurs as a result of residential patterns and socioeconomic inequalities that lead to racially homogenous neighborhoods and, consequently, schools. Efforts to address this issue include policies aimed at promoting diversity and integration in schools, such as busing programs and affirmative action in school admissions.