Diversity for Whom? Gentrification, Demographic Change, and the Politics of School Integration. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diem, Sarah; Holme, Jennifer Jellison; Edwards, Wesley; Haynes, Madeline; Epstein, Eliza
• Other Names: Diem Sarah guest-editor.; Young Michelle D. guest-editor.; Sampson Carrie guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Educational policy. Volume 33:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: critical policy analysis -- demographic change -- gentrification -- interest convergence -- school integration; Education and state -- United States -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; 379.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0895904818807316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-9048

Abstract

Gentrification and the displacement of low-income residents of color from neighborhoods where they have long resided has accelerated over the last 20 years. In some cities, this process has begun to impact school demographics. Although research shows that school districts experiencing gentrification are responding in ways that fuel segregation and inequality, in some contexts gentrification is viewed by administrators as an opportunity to seek racial and economic integration. In our exploratory comparative case study, we examined districts in gentrifying cities pursuing integration in the face of rapid gentrification. Our critical policy analysis illustrates how district leaders' diversity efforts can be overshadowed by their desire to appease and attract gentrifying families. Although districts are maintaining or increasing diversity in gentrifying contexts, our study raises broader equity questions that call for further inquiry of within-district equity and the displacement of students.