Affirmative action Quote by Cornel West
“Cincinnati like so many other cities, we know that so many of our schools, when it comes to public schools, are still de facto segregated racially. It has to do with residential segregation. It has to do with James Crow, Jr., which is at work, de facto rather than legally so that some of the integration is taking place among more and more well-to-do.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Remarks on Education and Segregation, 2023
The quote highlights that public schools remain racially divided mainly due to where people live, not because of legal mandates, and that wealthier families experience more integration.
In simple terms: Schools stay segregated because of housing patterns, not law.
Key Takeaway
Address housing inequality to improve school integration.
Themes
education
segregation
housing
inequality
policy
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
analytical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- school district policy
- community advocacy
- housing reform
- school choice
Key Concepts
de facto segregation
residential patterns
social stratification
Questions to Reflect On
- How can city zoning laws be reformed to promote diverse neighborhoods?
- What role can affordable housing play in school integration?
A Different Perspective
Legal desegregation alone cannot dissolve segregation without housing reform.
![“You can't really move forward until you look back. [From Remaking America panel discussion at George Washington University]” quote by Cornel West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/273/cornel-west-708_george-w_you-can-t-really-move-forward-until-you_37313.jpg)
