A Study of School Desegregation with a Specific Look at the Rochester – West Irondequoit Inter – Cultural Program

Abstract

This paper looks at the racial disparities within the educational system and negative consequences imposed on African American/minority children by that system. The author proposes full racial integration, with school populations reflecting the demographics of the wider community. He examines a volunteer transfer program, focusing on 25 high-achieving first graders who transferred from Rochester city school #19 to six neighborhood schools in the West Irondequoit Central School district in 1965. A control group of 25 high-achieving first graders remained at school #19. The author describes the cultural and communication difficulties encountered by the children in their new, predominantly white environment. He also recounts the various reactions of teachers, administrators, and parents to the program. This paper provides contemporary insight into the school desegregation methods and attitudes of the 1960s.