Should the federal government supplement funding for inner city schools?

Yes

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by Susan Hicks

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I Am A promise.
The Children of Stanton Elementary School

This 1993 Academy Award winning documentary clearly defines racial and class inequalities by the use of institutional discrimination. Because the city of Philadelphia does not or cannot allocate funding necessary to support its educational system and environmental challenges the promises awaiting these children seem far and few.

In addition to the major problems of several environmental issues including prevalent drug and alcohol abuse, subjection to domestic violence and lack of positive role models at home and within the system is evident. Parents of inner city children face insurmountable challenges on a daily basis just to provide basic needs such as housing and health care. Most are single parents with no social support, many dealing with drug abuse and prostitution, crime and violence. It is known as a detriment to society that children in this environment are not only unable to learn, but are not motivated to succeed.

Discipline problems and the lack of necessary support of the city through funding for the staff of Stanton Elementary School, contributes to job stress.
Low wages, environmental concerns, and extra training needed to cope, add to the deficiency of quality of education in a system where children are most in need.

The obvious "whiteness" of Mrs. Bitrie in "I Am A promise" and whether she could be a positive role model for children of an all black school is apparent, even though her positive influence may have provided some hopefulness to a few.
As a black man Mr. Cotes seems a much more beneficial role model for the male students as a surrogate father figure, giving emotional support where it is otherwise lacking, thus increasing the respect from his students, and greatly improving their chances of future success.

The opportunities and promises awaiting the children of the Stanton Elementary school are indeed far and few. Little or no control over environmental issues and lack of allocated funding necessary to support the educational system sustains class inequalities and delineates institutional discrimination.

Commu nity protocol must be addressed to raise awareness and concern for this very public issue. A publicity campaign to increase awareness of the risk factors of violence, to promote healthy relationships, and successful programs should be expanded to ALL schools. To reduce hate crimes and stereotyping should be a main focus for society. Active participation and commitment of the public, town officials, state legislature and government will reduce class inequality and institutional discrimination.

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