On Wednesday evening, Manual’s Black Student Union hosted a forum at Roots 101 African American History Museum to educate JCPS families on the proposed division of the school district and encourage those who attended to oppose it. In recent months, JCPS has discussed dividing the district in an attempt to fix the recurring transportation issue. Families, students and staff have begun to speak out against the division, as it would lead to several repercussions, including segregation of the district.
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Republican lawmakers sent out an open letter back in August as a result of JCPS’s first day transportation disaster stating that they would evaluate the split to make the district easier to manage. Although they don’t have a more specific plan yet, it is likely that the school system would end up being segregated due to the city’s distribution of race. Some students of color would end up attending schools in the West End, while white students would attend schools on the East End.
“We really want a more equitable and inclusive future for JCPS, and this proposal is not the way to do that,” Romaro Knight (12, HSU), BSU’s Vice President, said.
“If we are split up it would be such a culture shock for us. I once went to a predominantly white school and I now have such different views from back then. I understand that we want to create unity within the community, but we want to spread out so we’re able to make those connections with other people,” Kay Jessup (12, J&C), a member of Manual’s BSU, said.
Students who apply to schools other than their home school want to take classes in a specific program or pathway based on their interests. Without this, their academic opportunities are limited.
“A lot of students go to schools for specific rigor or coursework, especially at Manual. This division is going to split up these people that applied to certain schools for specific opportunities and they’re going to have to go to these other schools that don’t have the same opportunities,” Anthony Northington (11, HSU), BSU’s Head of Communications, said.
“I would not get the same opportunities if I went to my home school. I wouldn’t be able to be in Journalism and Communication and I wouldn’t be able to find my love for fashion and know that I want to be a fashion journalist,” Jessup said.
During BSU’s forum, several guest speakers appeared on the scene to show their support. Lyndon Pryor from The Urban League, Delquan Dorsey from the Department of Equity and Poverty as well as Madison Nelson, Male’s BSU president, all showed up to urge the audience to take action against the divide.
“I appreciate you for being leaders for even adults. We can learn a whole lot and can continue to learn a whole lot from you all,” Pryor said. Even for those who are unable to vote, he urges people to take a stand against splitting JCPS by writing to school board members, attending city council meetings and even calling representatives at Frankfort.
