The Illusion of Inclusion

Abstract

Nashville prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive city. Segregation is often discussed in a way that places it firmly in the past, when that could not be further from the truth. The supreme court case Brown v. Board of Education ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional in 1954. After stalling for three years, Nashville’s school board implemented the plan to desegregate public schools in 1957. However, the plan would require twelve years to accomplish, and integration was never legally enforced. Through research regarding racial policies, attitudes, and patterns within Nashville, it becomes clear that Nashville schools have yet to become truly integrated