Unitary Status Needs Unified Community

This opinion piece appeared in the April 1, 2008 Orlando Sentinel

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” -Maya Angelou, poet and author

With all the focus on building a
 new Evans High School, the entire community needs to remember, as the Orange County school board
 does, about the necessity to move beyond court-ordered desegregation and achieve “unitary status.” But, many may ask, is this really so important? The answer- Absolutely.

Most large school districts operating under court-ordered desegregation seek “unitary status.” Unitary districts have shown Federal district courts that their schools are no longer purposefully segregated by race, students have equitable access to a high-quality education, and policies are in place to promote diversity and address racial isolation. It is all about equity.

Numerous policies have emerged from the sometimes-turbulent efforts to desegregate Orange County’s schools over the last forty-plus years. Most have been beneficial; some have held unintended consequences. Intensified by demographic changes in neighborhoods, some schools actually have swelling percentages of minority, low-income students. The court pays particular attention to these schools, including Evans, Jones and Oak Ridge high schools, and a number of middle and elementary schools.

Intense, and sometimes controversial, plans are being proposed to bring better equity to these challenged schools. The Evans plan-bring in strong administration and faculty, establish a rigorous curriculum, including an International Baccalaureate program, and rebuild its facility swiftly in a more stable location-exemplifies efforts and investments that create conditions for a culture of achievement and greater diversity.

While such plans obviously can improve individual schools and move Orange County closer toward “unitary status,” how can this process be helpful to the whole school district and the greater community? The answer- a great deal.

The school board and superintendent consider achieving “unitary status” an opportunity to establish policies that ensure all schools, no matter where they are located or whom they serve, and all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socio-economic background or special need, are treated equitably. With 179 countries and 132 languages and dialects in our classrooms, half of students living in conditions of poverty, and a multitude of special needs among our children, equity is essential.

The community benefit is also clear. While serving its citizens equitably, a community will be healthier, and its economy will be stronger. When all children have the quality of education and opportunities needed for success, they are better able to pursue higher education, raise families, excel in their jobs, and be active citizens.

But equity is more than policy-making. As a value worth pursuing in Orange County, in spirit, equity means embracing our differences while seeking common values and shared goals. In action, it means mentoring, volunteering, providing additional and necessary resources, and supporting decisions that may stir the status quo, but ultimately are in the best interests of all children. Consequently, for our schools to be truly “unitary,” our community must be truly “unified.”

Anne Geiger represents Orange County School Board, District 6