The speaker believes that the practice of busing students to different schools across racial boundaries had mixed results. In certain areas, it succeeded in improving school integration and fostering a more diverse educational environment for children. However, the effectiveness varied from place to place, indicating that while busing could be beneficial in some contexts, it was not universally successful.
The quote delves into the complexities of addressing racial segregation within schools. The speaker acknowledges the challenges in creating equitable education systems and suggests that there are multiple approaches to achieving better integration beyond just the use of busing. This reflects a broader conversation about educational policies and their effectiveness in promoting social equity. By mentioning other methods being used after ending busing, the quote highlights an ongoing discussion about finding the most effective ways to integrate schools while acknowledging past efforts and their outcomes.
Dick Gephardt is a former American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Missouri's congressional district from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2005 to 2013. He was also the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 1988, running alongside Michael Dukakis against George H.W. Bush. Gephardt has been involved in various policy discussions throughout his career, including education reform and civil rights issues, making this statement reflective of his long-standing interest in these areas.
