How did the education system contribute to systemic racism?

The education system contributed to systemic racism primarily through the perpetuation of segregation and the chronic underfunding of schools in Black communities. Historically, after the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, many areas still maintained separate and unequal schooling systems through various means, such as redlining and the establishment of "dual school systems."

Underfunded schools in Black communities often lacked essential resources, experienced overcrowded classrooms, and had less qualified teachers compared to their counterparts in predominantly white neighborhoods. This systemic discrepancy ensured that students of color received an inferior education, impacting their opportunities and outcomes significantly.

The focus on maintaining separate educational environments not only undermined the principle of equality but also reinforced broader societal norms of racism and discrimination, embedding these disparities into the very fabric of the education system. Thus, the role of the education system in fostering segregation and underfunding schools was central to the maintenance of systemic racism.