Powerful Country, Weak Schools
American education through the lens of social inequality
By Merary Flores Galindo and Dr. Benjamin Drury
The United States, a powerful nation founded on principles of freedom and equality, has a complex history characterized by racial disparities and social inequality. Dysfunctional social institutions, rooted in historic oppression and institutional racism, have had a significant impact on American schools. This essay explores how these institutions have perpetuated racial disparities, influenced educational policies, and shaped power dynamics within marginalized communities. By examining the challenges faced by educational institutions and the experiences of marginalized students, we gain insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in American schools.
Historic oppression and systemic racism have resulted in persistent racial disparities within the American education system. Students of color often face unequal access to quality education, limited resources, and disproportionately high disciplinary measures. These disparities stem from the deliberate exclusion and suppression of racial groups’ constitutional rights by white supremacists. As a result, marginalized communities endure educational disadvantages that hinder their social and economic mobility.
