Race at Predominantly White Independent Schools: The Space between Diversity and Equity

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Description

In Race at Predominantly White Independent Schools, Bonnie E. French investigates the management of diversity at predominantly White, independent schools in the northeastern United States. By conducting in-depth interviews with diversity policy developers and implementers within the independent school community, French explores current efforts toward racial equity and the relationship between racial equity and diversity. Data collected from interviews are supplemented with numerical data from the National Association of Independent Schools that chronicles enrollment and employment of people of color, as well as with content analysis of published materials from the independent school community. Using Critical Race Theory to frame this critique, French argues that the diversity movement, by not seeking to challenge the current state of inequality in a meaningful way, only serves to strengthen the segregated and unequal status quo.

Reviews

This book opened my eyes to the well-kept secret of how racial minorities are perceived and the tensions that exist between predominantly White administration, faculty, parents committees, and non-White diversity coordinators. It is highly relevant and important as it will help to expose independent schools covert determination to close their doors to Black students from economically underprivileged households. The book will definitely make a significant contribution to the fields of education, educational sociology, educational anthropology, and multicultural education. -- Immaculee Harushimana, Lehman College
Frenchs critical analysis of race in independent day schools is a must-read for educational leaders, but also for students, parents, and the wider public. Using a grounded theory approach, she exposes the layers of racism that are still evident and prevalent in these predominantly White institutions. Yet, she also offers a symbol of what independent schools can achieve, a challenge to move beyond the masquerade of inclusion, and a call to action for all of us to disrupt the system of segregation in independent schools. -- Susan V. Iverson, Manhattanville College
This book enhances the discussion of diversity in educational institutions by examining the perception of racial integration and diversity initiatives by key stakeholders in independent day schools. The book is a welcome contribution to the study of diversity. -- Adalberto Aguirre, Jr., University of California, Riverside

Author Bio

Bonnie E. French is assistant professor of sociology at Caldwell University.