White student segregation

2021
united states

White student segregation refers to the separation of white students from students of other races or ethnicities within a educational institution. This can occur through policies or practices that intentionally or unintentionally create separate spaces or classrooms for white students. White student segregation can result from racial or economic disparities within a school district or from deliberate efforts to ensure that white students are not integrated with students of other races.

Historically, white student segregation has been linked to racial discrimination and inequality, particularly during the era of racial segregation in the United States. The landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional in 1954. However, de facto segregation persisted through various means, such as discriminatory housing practices or the creation of specialized schools or programs that overwhelmingly enrolled white students.

White student segregation can have negative effects on the education and well-being of both white students and students of other races. It can perpetuate racial and economic inequalities, limit exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, and impede efforts to promote equal opportunities in education.

Efforts to address white student segregation may include implementing policies to promote diversity and integration, providing resources and support to underserved communities, and fostering inclusive and equitable school environments. These efforts can help create a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all students.

Further reading

Wilson E.K. (2021) "Monopolizing whiteness", Harvard Law Review, 134(7), pp. 2383-2448. Harvard Law Review Association. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3688628