The Cost of Integration: Examining the Consequences of Brown vs. Board of Education

A newspaper clipping via thebristorian.co.uk.

In an age where attacks on DEI, Black Hair, and anything to do with Black Culture are rampant, an uncomfortable reality has been revealed about America's Education System. The reforms seemingly advocating for a more egalitarian society are deeply entrenched in racist white supremacist ideology. Coupled with this reality is the unsettling truth that Black people may have been faring much better before the 1954 passing of Brown vs Board of Education. 

The essential argument in the “Brown v. Board of Education” case was that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The plaintiffs argued that "‘separate but equal’ educational facilities for Black and white students were inherently unequal and perpetuated a sense of inferiority among Black children.” Though touted as a landmark case in the fight for equal rights, the language in the ruling itself is steeped in anti-black sentiments that have not aged well some 70 years later. 

Almost immediately upon its passing, white southerners began an aggressive campaign against the ruling. In 1956, the Southern Manifesto was published and agreed upon by over 100 Southern politicians who affirmed their commitment to not letting integration happen. Part of that strategy included denying federal funds to schools that participated in the integration efforts, massive layoffs, and the dismantling of Black-led schools. The loss of this magnitude has had a generational impact that has accelerated high levels of poverty, crime, illiteracy, and dysfunction in the Black community. 

In an attempt to fight for justice and level the playing field, the Black community lost control of the very structure that could have propelled us to excellence, well surpassing our white counterparts. Integration made us believe we belonged in spaces that were never made for us and led us on an uphill battle toward an acceptance that never existed and still doesn’t today. 

Many will argue the success of integration, citing that Blacks were more likely to graduate high school and get higher-paying jobs if they went to integrated schools, but at what cost? It is undeniable that Black children were best served by Black teachers and leaders. It is undeniable that teachers contribute much more when teaching than when unemployed. 

Black Mentors

Black educators often served as more than just teachers; they were mentors, role models, and sources of inspiration for Black students. The absence of Black educators meant that Black children lacked representation and support from individuals who understood their cultural backgrounds and experiences, similar to what occurs in other areas of human existence, such as health care. This lack of representation led to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and disconnection from not just the educational system but from our racial identity. Additionally, the loss of Black educators meant that valuable knowledge, wisdom, and cultural heritage that these educators brought to the classroom were no longer readily available, depriving Black students of a holistic education that acknowledged and celebrated their identity. As a result, the absence of Black educators in integrated schools hindered the progress and development of Black children, impacting their academic success, self-esteem, and sense of belonging in the educational environment. 

Via naacpldf.org

With the desegregation of schools, many Black schools were closed, leading to a significant number of Black teachers and administrators losing their jobs. Tens of thousands of Black teachers and principals experienced job losses as white superintendents started integrating schools and refused to appoint Black educators to authoritative roles over white teachers or students. Bear in mind that oftentimes, Black educators held more credentials than their white counterparts, outnumbering them with master's and bachelor's degrees. 

Black educators who managed to keep their positions often faced demotions or displacements to lower positions as schools integrated. Despite the push for integration, Black educators continued to face limited opportunities for advancement in integrated school systems, contending with discrimination and bias in promotion and leadership roles. Today, scholars attribute the existing underrepresentation of Black educators in the profession to the aftermath of the Brown case. Before Brown, Black teachers and principals made up 35% to 50% of the educator workforce in the 17 segregated states. However, today, no state comes near those figures, with only 7% of teachers and approximately 11% of principals nationwide being Black.

The consequences extend further, as Black teachers face mounting pressure to excel in educational institutions where white supremacist ideology pervades every aspect of their work. These challenges range from enduring daily microaggressions, receiving low salaries, encountering a curriculum that neglects Black identities to facing disciplinary practices that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. Consequently, this stress often leads to burnout and short tenure in the education field. 

According to the 2023 State of the Teacher report, 63% of Black teachers have reported burnout, whereas white teachers reported 55%. The high turnover of Black educators leaves Black students to navigate an oppressive system on their own.

Safe Schools For Black Children

The legacy of Brown vs. Board of Education serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for the presence of sacred Black spaces in our society. It highlights the vital importance of closely monitoring and supporting our children as they navigate their educational journey through elementary and high school. Regrettably, schools are not always secure environments for students, as shown by instances like inappropriate role-playing of slave and master scenarios by white teachers or culturally insensitive practices during Black History Month. 

Moreover, the issue of desegregation remains unresolved, with around 60% of Black and Hispanic public school students attending schools where 75% or more of the students are of color. Within these racially segregated schools, Black and Hispanic students are predominantly enrolled in high-poverty settings. The profound emotional and mental strain endured by Black children in such settings can have enduring consequences. Without a supportive community that celebrates their abilities and challenges oppressive narratives, these children risk succumbing to a self-fulfilling cycle of despair. 

*Mishel Williams, a longtime Philadelphian transplant and Assistant Adjunct Professor at Temple University, writes for the Medium blog, Mishel-Noor. Her expertise lies in special education, autism spectrum disorder, emotional disturbance, literacy, and program coordination. Dedicated to supporting youth and communities affected by generational trauma, she has collaborated with organizations like the Jahri Evans Foundation and the GrassRoots Community Foundation. Author of "Little Z and Firefly, A Journey to Finding Light and Love" and "The Workbook, An Interactive Mental Health Guide," Mishel advocates fiercely for mental health and self-care for all ages. When not writing, she enjoys art, cooking, fashion, and spending time with her partner.