Abstract

This independent research study aims to analyze the question of how integration policies implemented by school boards impacted the level of political empowerment of the Saint Louis community. Through this research, I strived to bring a new understanding of the city of Saint Louis and the deep racial divide that is apparent throughout the city. I examined notable court cases and relevant articles that addressed the issues of racial integration efforts and rhetoric of school boards to thoroughly gain an understanding of possible forms of progress that could advance integration. My study provides an in-depth examination into these matters through semi-structured interviews with nine individuals associated with various school districts around the city: three school board members, three teachers, and three former students. An analysis of interview responses suggests that achieving racial integration falls outside the scope of school officials and that integration must happen in the actual city before it can be stressed in classrooms. With this, I found the community’s level of political empowerment in the system is lower and is not positive.

Advisor

Corral, Alvaro

Department

Political Science

Disciplines

Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures

Keywords

race, integration, empowerment, politics

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2021 Austrella B. Balley