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Affirmative action Quote by Derrick Bell

“time proved that the persistent educational gap between black and white students was only indirectly traceable to segregation. Instead, the root of the problem appeared to be the substantial disparities in the resources provided to black students relative to white students. Many, including myself…” quote by Derrick Bell
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““time proved that the persistent educational gap between black and white students was only indirectly traceable to segregation. Instead, the root of the problem appeared to be the substantial disparities in the resources provided to black students relative to white students. Many, including myself, decided that given the difficulty of integrating black and Latino students with their swiftly fleeing white counterparts, we should concentrate on desegregating the money.””

Derrick Bell

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Persistent Educational Gap,” 1995

Resource inequality, not segregation alone, drives the achievement gap between black and white students.

In simple terms: Money, not just segregation, fuels school gaps.

Key Takeaway

Address funding inequities.

Themes

education inequality policy race

Mood

critical analytical

Type

policy advocacy

When to use this quote

  • school board meetings
  • policy advocacy
  • grant writing

Key Concepts

structural racism public finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies can ensure equitable resources?
  • How to measure impact of funding changes?
A Different Perspective

Changing money alone may not fix systemic bias.

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