IL HR0917

Commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that banned separate public schools based on race.

States that despite the ruling, many schools remain segregated due to racially and economically isolated housing patterns, with African American students more isolated than 40 years ago.

Cites research showing that racial and economic diversity in schools improves educational achievement for minority and low-income students, benefits all students' critical thinking skills, and increases graduation and college matriculation rates.

Notes that diverse schools provide broader societal benefits including improved cross-racial understanding, reduced racial prejudice, and cultural competence necessary for the modern workplace and global economy.

Urges the Illinois State Board of Education to prioritize school diversity in admissions policies, school creation, rezoning decisions, and to develop district-level strategies to overcome impediments to diversity.