Swann v. Charlotte 2016

Wasn't Swann v. Charlotte decided 1971? Then how does it bring up debates on current events in my FYS class in 2016? Before I start this discussion I should explain the importance of the case Swann v. Charlotte was a case about if it was okay to use bussing to integrate students. So back to the question of the day: how does this deal with students today. Are our schools actually integrated? In my opinion, I would say no. I recall in my high school I only had one class with an African American in it.

In class Dr. Smith brought up the topic of magnet schools and many classmates did not know what that was; however, magnet schools are very well known to me. Let me take you back to Anna Desbiaux's middle school years. From 3rd - 6th grade I attended a private school called First Assembly Christian school. I like to refer to it as a bubble for rich white Christians. All of those years I had only associated with the same people as me and never knew the other side. The end of my 6th grade year my mother told me that I was transferring and I was dramatically devastated. This would be good to explain the goal of a magnet school. The schools are placed in troubled areas of a city and funded with a lot of money so that they have exceptional programs that will draw people from more affluent areas of town and that leads to integration. I was one of the kids from an affluent areas and my parents were impressed by Forsyth Academy, the magnet school.

When I arrived to FA my 7th grade year I was immediately hated by everyone. That would make sense because I was an ignorant rich white girl. I honestly had no idea why people did not like me until my friend Josh brought it to my attention that I was a brat. Josh helped me by explaining to my main enemy, Dezeray that I was a nice person and that I just did not realize what I was doing. Eventually as time progressed I began to change to a more understanding person and everyone began to take me under their wings.

Overall, I feel that magnet schools that is a great idea and that I am a proven example that it works. Not only did FA provide me with a good well rounded education but also taught me the social skills that I need to survive the real world. Swann v. Charlotte brought up discussion for other ways to integrate students such as magnet schools.