Jonathan Kozol, a prominent writer and advocate for educational equity, has released his final book, “An End to Inequality,” at the age of 87. This book marks the culmination of his half-century of work highlighting the failures of the American education system in adequately serving poor Black and Hispanic children.
Kozol’s writing paints a vivid picture of the decrepit school buildings, scripted curriculums, and neglected urban neighborhoods that continue to plague these communities. Despite decades of national reform efforts, the inequalities persist, with educational opportunities still largely determined by parents’ ability to afford housing in desirable areas.
In his book, Kozol boldly calls for a massive federal and state investment in expanding voluntary busing programs like METCO, which have shown success in providing better outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He rejects other forms of school choice, such as charters and vouchers, viewing them as detrimental to the public school system.
While some critics argue that Kozol focuses too much on the problems without offering solutions, he remains steadfast in his belief that true change can only come through addressing the systemic inequalities that have long plagued the education system. Despite the challenges ahead, Kozol remains committed to advocating for a well-funded, democratic public school system that serves all students equally.
As he reflects on his decades of work, Kozol’s message remains clear: the fight for educational equity is far from over, and it is up to society to decide whether the sun is rising or setting on the future of our children.
