This term, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering challenges in two school districts to the constitutionality of voluntary racial school integration plans in elementary and secondary education. In the latest issue brief from the Century Foundation, Richard D. Kahlenberg discusses the possible effects of the court's decision.

Introduction

On December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments in two major cases challenging the constitutionality of voluntary racial school integration plans in elementary and secondary education. In Seattle, Washington, and Louisville, Kentucky, plaintiffs have objected to the use of race as a factor in deciding where children attend school. The stakes are high: hundreds of districts now employ race as a factor. A decision is expected by July 2007.

Richard D. Kahlenberg is a Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation.