The resegregation of public schools? Examining parents involved in practice

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of race-neutral student assignment policies following the 2007 Supreme Court decision in Parents Involved. Highlighting one urban school district-Chicago Public Schools-we examined differences in racial composition at their elite, “selective enrollment” high schools before and after voluntary race-based policies became unconstitutional. Using repeated measures ANOVA, we found the transition from racial to socioeconomic criteria have resegregated these schools-significantly reducing African-and Asian-American enrollment. We argue the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down voluntary race-based student assignment policies has contributed to local policy changes for urban districts like Chicago, reducing minority access and opportunity.