The fourth year of federal court desegregation (1977-78) promised stability and continuity to the Boston public schools. Instead it brought confusion, frustration and anger, although there have been no serious disruptions inside the schools for the first time since desegregation began in 1974. (Author/AM)

This book concentrates on the experiences, personal insights, and big events that made up the battle to desegregate the public schools in Boston, Massachusetts. It also gives the historical background of the struggle. In 1965, Massachusetts passed the first state law against de facto segregation, the Racial Imbalance Act. It was not enforced. On…

The initial black community response to the desegregation plan submitted by the School Department is contained in this document. The principal purpose is to make clear to the court that in evaluating this plan, or any other, improvements in the quality of schooling is sought. Efforts to rid the Boston schools of discriminatory pupil placement are…

The complex interactions which led to the implementation of the court-ordered desegregation plans for two cities in Massachusetts involve not only the courts but many levels of government. The school departments, the school committees, the mayors, the State Board of Education, the legislature, the governor, and the citizens of Massachusetts, all…