Blacks Against Busing

[Reprinted from Issues & Views Winter 1994]

The January 1994 edition of the newsletter of the National Association for Neighborhood Schools reports on two Missouri officials, both black, who oppose the continued forced busing of children. St. Louis Mayor Freeman Bosley questions the point of sending almost 14,000 black youngsters out of their own neighborhoods, instead of working to improve the nearby schools and making them safe for all. Many of the students share his views, expressing their desire for safe, well-ordered schools within their own communities. Says one student, "You shouldn't be forced to leave the area where you live to get a good education in a safe atmosphere." Others express agitation at not being a part of the communities to which they are bused.

President of the St. Louis School Board, Eddie Davis, says, "Our emphasis should be on educational equity," and claims that it should not be up to courts to tell residents of a community what is or isn't in their best interests.

For more information on the status of busing and neighborhood schools around the country, subscribe to the NANS newsletter. Visit National Association for Neighborhood Schools online.

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