Congressman Bobby Scott on Strength in Diversity

The Strength in Diversity Act passed the House of Representatives on Sept 15th, 2020. Coming out of The Committee on Education and Labor, chaired by Congressman Bobby Scott, the bill aims to assist localities that want to attempt voluntary desegregation plans, do that constitutionally. Since the Supreme Court's decision in the Parents Involved case from 2007, many districts have avoided desegregation plans for fear of running afoul of that ruling. The Strength in Diversity Act provides grants to states to plan programs that can decrease segregation, while also remaining legal.

We're joined by Chairman Scott do discuss the bill, and why it took congress 30 years to address growing school segregation.

LINKS:

• Congressman Scott's Website
• Strength in Diversity Act on Congress.gov
• Strength in Diversity Fact Sheet
• The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act on Congress.gov
• The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act Fact Sheet
• Tribute to Courtney Everts Mykytyn from the Official Congressional Record
• Milliken v Bradley from Integrated Schools
• The floor debate on the Strength in Diversity Act - 4h18m to 5h08m

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The Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits.

This episode was produced, edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits.

Music by Kevin Casey.