Separate and unequal; combating discrimination against Roma in education |
The Public Interest Law Initiative is pleased to announce the publication of a new source book entitled: "Separate and Unequal; Combating Discrimination against Roma in Education".
The book represents a collection of essays which document the struggle for the integration of schools in Central and Eastern Europe. Taken together, they aim to elucidate the complexity of the phenomenon of educational segregation. The issue is explored from a number of different perspectives: the relationship of segregation to discrimination, early efforts to integrate education in Bulgaria and Hungary, tools for advocating change and pedagogical issues. Contributors include both Romani and non-Romani leaders of the first desegregation efforts in Europe and a wide range of other experts.
The book is divided into five sections, each section comprising a number of essays by different authors.
1. The Nature of Educational Segregation
Patterns of Segregation of Roma in Education in Central and Eastern Europe by Savelina Danova - The European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) carried out a study mapping common practices of segregation of Romani school children in five countries: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. This article outlines the main findings of the study and the proposed policy measures for desegregation programs in those countries.
Desegregation of Romani Education: Challenges and Successes by Rumyan Russinov - This article considers a project in Bulgaria which has fought to overcome many of the misconceptions that have stood in the way of Romani integration in schools, and the lessons which can be learned from this project.
From Segregated to Integrated Education of the Roma in Europe by Dimitrina Petrova - A presentation of the patterns of segregation as they exist in various countries around Central and Eastern Europe, and proposals for mechanisms for desegregation.
The Fight Against Segregation in the United States by Jack Greenberg and Maxine Sleeper An outline of the path of desegregation in the United States, with its many obstacles and struggles, and a comparative look at the European approach to desegregation.
2. Segregation and Anti-discrimination Law and Policy
A Brief Overview: European Legislative Framework for Anti-discrimination Policies by Maxine Sleeper An overview of EU anti-discrimination laws, their implementation, and the importance of the laws in fighting segregation in education.
Anti-discrimination Law in the Netherlands: Experiences of the First Seven Years by Jenny E. Goldschmidt An overview and analysis of the Equal Treatment Commission in the Netherlands during the first seven years of its operation.
Anti-discrimination Legislation in Romania: Moving toward Enforcement and Implementation by Dezideriu Gergely An exploration of the history of the legal framework for combating discrimination in Romania, identifying some of the missing concepts in the law and demonstrating how the law is now implemented and utilized by Romanian human rights activists and lawyers.
Anti-discrimination Laws at Work in Romania by Romanita Iordache This article presents a hypothetical claim and walks the reader through ways in which a case can be brought and pursued under Romanias newly implemented anti-discrimination laws, as well as what the likely outcomes might be.
3. Strategies for School Desegregation
Advocacy Strategies to Combat Segregation by Iulius Rostas and Mona Nicoara This article presents detailed information on how a variety of advocacy strategies have been deployed to advocate for desegregation, from international and regional pressure to project development to campaigning around legal action.
Segregated Schools under International Law by Robert Kushen This article identifies various relevant international human rights instruments and discusses how these relate to provisions such as the right to education, freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, and the right to equal protection.
Combating Segregation in Education through Litigation: Reflections on the Experience to Date by James A. Goldston and Ivan Ivanov An exploration of the experience of combating segregation through litigation, with a particular focus on the obstacles and lessons to consider when bringing a case to court.
Desegregating Roma Schools in Romania: A Cost-Benefit Analysis by Mihai Surdu An illustration of the inferior quality of education in segregated schools in Romania and indications of the ways in which the segregation of Romani pupils presents a major obstacle to their enjoyment of equal educational opportunities.
4. Models of Integration Programs
Local Initiatives: Desegregation in Bulgaria by Krassimir Kanev and Kalinka Vassileva This article provides a history of segregation in education of the Roma in Bulgaria and discusses the legislative framework that provided the foundation for Bulgaria’s integration program.
Government Initiatives: Hungary’s School Integration Program by Viktória Mohácsi An outline of the government initiated and supported school integration program in Hungary, explaining the means by which budgetary policy can positively influence integration in education, and providing recommendations to ensure the future success of the program.
"Constituting the Class": An Analysis of the Process of "Integration"in South African Schools by Crain Soudien An examination of the process of integration in South Africa’s schools, addressing questions relating to education as a vehicle for social change and the assimilation which has taken place in South Africa.
New Solutions to Old Problems: Models of Integration from the United States by Jack Greenberg This article addresses some of the innovative models being used in the United States to integrate schools in the absence of court-ordered desegregation. The article provides a useful means of determining which integration programs might be useful in certain contexts.
5. Curricular Aspects of Integration
Strategies to Promote the Successful Integration of Romani Students in the School System by Angela Kocze and Dawn Tankersley An analysis of a project initiated in five countries as part of the Open Society Institute "Step by Step Program", aiming to develop solutions to the problem of high failure rates and segregation of Roma in education.
A Pearl of a School by Robert Blezard This article presents an example of a school in Washington, DC where students of different races, economic backgrounds and language ability learn and play together in an academically rigorous environment.
Native American Education: A System in Need of Reform by Alison McKinney Brown An explanation of the greatest challenges facing Native American education today, using case studies and proposed models for providing a culturally sensitive and relevant education for Native American students.
The compilation of this volume was inspired by a seminar and training held in June 2003 titled "Combating Discrimination in Education". The seminar was implemented in partnership with the Roma Participation Program of the Open Society Institute, and was held in Hungary. The event brought together young Romani NGO leaders and a diverse group of experts including advocates and human rights lawyers. The aim was to both promote discussion and to develop the skills of Romani organizations in advocating for educational integration. The resulting discussions were intellectually exciting and inspired, creating the motivation to continue the process with the compilation of this book. Since the initial seminar, a number of follow up events have been organized in co-operation with the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) in Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary, as well as an event co-sponsored by the Embassy of South Africa in Budapest. It is hoped that this book will become a useful tool to facilitate the continuation of this valuable work.
We hope that the information presented in "Separate and Unequal; Combating Discrimination against Roma in Education" will also become a useful and constructive resource for scholars, legal practitioners, NGO activists, government and ministry officials and all those working towards promoting the essential reforms necessary to further the cause of integration in education for Roma children.
PILI would like to extend sincere thanks to all the donors and partners who have supported our initiatives in this field to date. In particular, special thanks are extended to the Roma Participation Project of the Open Society Institute, the European Roma Rights Center, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Mott Foundation and the Embassy of South Africa.
The Source Book can be viewed on PILI’s website, www.pili.org. Additional copies of the Source Book, in addition to other PILI publications, can be ordered from: Columbia University Budapest Law Center; Szent Istvan ter 11/c; 1051 Budapest, Hungary; pili@pili.org.
