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1 Protect Civil Rights as the foundation of a viable, healthy democracy, framed in the Declaration of Independence, guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and codified by civil rights legislation. Imagine > But Currently > What must be done > What we can do together

But Currently…

Although policies have been in place since 1954, the promise of equity and excellence is unfulfilled for many children, particularly African American and Latino youth in the poorest areas. Data reveal that these students are the most segregated, attend the poorest schools with the least resources and are educated by the least qualified teachers, falling behind the mainstream with the highest dropout rates in the nation.

Data also show that, because of practices that reflect bias and prejudice, these students are the ones most likely to be over-represented in special education courses, under-represented in gifted and talented programs, and suspended and expelled from schools and programs disproportionate to their numbers in the population. They are least likely to enter and complete college and thus have significantly lower incomes and access to a quality life.