The Impact of Metropolitan School Desegregation on Public Opinion

Abstract

Little research systematically examining changes in public opinion as a consequence of the implementation of a school desegregation plan involving busing has been reported. Four surveys were conducted to measure the impact of the implementation of a court-ordered metropolitan desegregation plan on a community (New Castle County, Delaware) over seven years. Results indicate that the general population remained opposed to busing after desegregation, that busing resulted in a primarily temporary decline in public school evaluations, and that feelings that blacks were receiving equal treatment in the public schools increased over time. Although white suburban opposition to busing lessened somewhat in magnitude and intensity, city and black opposition increased. Overall, those closest to the public schools were the most likely to react relatively positively to the change.