Street protests have their limits

I'm in general agreement with the protesters in Raleigh who are opposing the Wake County Board of Education's new policy of "neighborhood schools," which abandons the board's long-standing policy of attempting to balance school populations socio-economically. But I'm dismayed that the opponents of this policy shift appear to be intent on disrupting school board meetings rather than concentrating on ways to minimize negative impacts of the new policy.

The ultimate solution to this problem lies not in street protests but at the ballot box. It was an election last year that ushered in this change, and the new policy is unlikely to change until a new election replaces the determined and narrowly focused board majority. Protests and civil disobedience have a long and honorable history, but they also have their limitations. Unless protests garner widespread public support, they are almost certain to fail. Although a lot of individuals and organizations are opposing the new school assignment policy, I do not see — from this distance — a groundswell of public outrage.

The protesters are fighting an uphill battle. A lawsuit would be unlikely to succeed; Supreme Court decisions have eliminated busing for racial balance in Charlotte and other school systems. It's hard to imagine a court ruling that a socio-economically balanced classroom is a constitutional right. I agree with the protesters that a diverse student population better prepares students for the world that awaits them in adulthood, and I am convinced that schools dominated by poor students are at a disadvantage in parental activity and financial support. But this is a policy issue, not a constitutional issue, and policies are decided at the ballot box.

Here's my advice to the school policy opponents: Drop the massive resistance. Opt instead for persistent, thoughtful and respectful reminders to the school board majority that there is a better way to assign students. Then work with the school board to incorporate as much diversity into the "neighborhood schools" concept as possible. Exactly where you draw the attendance lines for a "neighborhood school" can make a huge difference in diversity. Encourage the school board to maximize diversity without abandoning their rallying cry of "neighborhood schools." Next, monitor student performance under the new policy compared to the old policy, and begin organizing for the next school board election. Turn out the vote, and do what you can to change the policy you don't like.