A lawsuit alleging that New York City perpetuates racial segregation within its public school system, particularly in prestigious institutions like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science, is advancing following a panel of state appellate judges’ decision on Thursday.
The lawsuit, brought by a group advocating for racial integration in New York schools, contends that city and state policies disproportionately favor White and Asian-American students in admissions to gifted-and-talented programs. These programs, which serve as a gateway to elite schools such as the Bronx High School of Science and Stuyvesant High School, are accessed through a rigorous process involving tests and interviews starting as early as kindergarten.
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According to the lawsuit, these policies result in a denial of a “sound basic education” for Black and Latino students. The gifted-and-talented program has become a focal point in the city’s efforts to address inequality, as admission to these programs can significantly impact a student’s academic trajectory.
While admission to specialized high schools is determined by a single exam, participation in the gifted-and-talented program provides students with an advantage due to their “superior academic preparation,” as stated in the complaint.
The lawsuit alleges that the city and state have knowingly perpetuated testing-based sorting that systematically excludes students of color from equal educational opportunities. Data from the city’s Independent Budget Office shows significant disparities in the representation of White, Asian-American, Hispanic, and Black children in the gifted kindergarten program.
In response to the defendants’ argument that judicial remedies would require overreach, the state Supreme Court’s Appellate Division rejected this notion, stating that blaming each other does not absolve them of responsibility for ensuring a sound basic education.
Plaintiffs in the case, including IntegrateNYC Inc., parent groups, and current and former public school students, are seeking the elimination of admission screens for gifted and talented programs, as well as reforms to improve recruitment and retention of school staff.
While the ruling allows some claims to proceed against the state, the New York State Education Department remains confident that the claims will ultimately be dismissed. Nonetheless, the decision marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to address racial inequality within New York City’s public school system.
