This study analyzes public perceptions of Boston's magnet school program. Typically evaluated in terms of their impact on racial integration, magnet schools also were designed to improve the tarnished image of the Boston school system. While promoting voluntary integration at a handful of schools, the magnet program struggled to change the…

This past June, a 5-4 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court declared integration plans in Louisville and Seattle unconstitutional because of their focus on race as one factor in assigning students to schools. The Court's ruling in the "Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1" and "Meredith v. Jefferson…

This past June, a 5-4 majority of the U.S. Supreme Court declared integration plans in Louisville and Seattle unconstitutional because of their focus on race as one factor in assigning students to schools. The Court's ruling in the "Parents Involved in Community Schools" v. "Seattle School District No. 1" and…

Suggestions for resolving inequities in single or multiple minority school districts are offered. It is urged that instructionally effective minority schools should be disturbed only to the extent necessary to eliminate discriminatory pupil placement. (MJB)

Describes how Prince George's County Public Schools developed one of the first voluntary desegregation programs in the country. The developmental stages of the program's beginning in 1985 were ahead of schedule; as a result, they have accelerated the program in 1986 and added new specialty schools. (MD)

Compares the effectiveness of magnet schools in increasing interracial contact in two contexts: (1) districts using magnet schools as the alternative to forced busing; and (2) districts using magnet schools as a component of a mandatory desegregation plan. (Author/BE)

The U.S. Supreme Court declined an opportunity last week to rule on the constitutionality of a school district's policy of weighing race as a factor in assigning students to schools. It has sidestepped a potentially thorny sequel to its 2003 rulings on affirmative action in higher education and left several lower-court rulings as the best…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Charting a New Course toward Racial Integration: Districts Seek Legal Routes to Capture the Benefits of Diversity (Brigid Schulte); (2) Voluntary Integration: Two Views--(a)…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the effect of termination of funding on a magnet-school program. The federally funded program was implemented in Forrest City, Arkansas, to eliminate racial imbalance in the elementary schools. The program was based on the assumption that with enough time and financial assistance, racial…

Analyzes the desegration plan of Cambridge, Massachusetts, as an example of a successful attempt at accomodating "freedom of choice" while at the same time meeting existing state and federal desegregation standards. Argues that the Cambridge plan has transfer value for other school systems. (KH)

Impact of school desegregation edicts is measured and compliance theory is discussed. Existing research is examined concerning coercion required to produce compliance with school desegregation guidelines in 31 Georgia school districts. Journal available from Southern Political Science Association at the office of publication, 107 Peabody Hall,…

Article constitutes a chapter of a forthcoming book, "The NEA and the Black Teacher: the Integration of a Professional Association, to be published by the University of Miami. (RJ)

In rulings between 1954 and 1971, the Supreme Court always emphasized that racially segregated schools were inherently unconstitutional, although it upheld a system of student assignments that was neutral toward race. But with the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenberg Board of Education decision of 1971, the court embarked on a new remedial course. A…

All six institutions under study were found to have or to previously have had integrated nonblack chapters; black fraternities had only segregated chapters. Black enrollments were proportionately much smaller than nonblack enrollments, however. (Author)

A study was conducted to explore the options and costs of both voluntary and compulsory solutions to metropolitan school desegregation. The study focused on the Saint Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan areas which are examples of settings in which desegregation can occur. The demographic characteristics of these central cities and their…