In the April 23, 2013 New York Times article "Showdown for Westchester and U.S. Over Desegregation Agreement" we hear about the continuing saga of persistent efforts by Westchester County Government to resist the requirements of a "landmark desegregation agreement" that at its core seeks to fully realize the 1968 Fair Housing Act's directive to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.

The ongoing actions and statements by County officials suggest that they embrace the sentiments of President Richard Nixon, when in 1972, some four years after the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, in a memo to his aides he wrote, "I am convinced that while legal segregation is totally wrong that forced integration of housing or education is just as wrong." I will not address what the opinions of officials might be about the rightness or wrongness of so-called "legal segregation" or what they think about integrated public school education, but I am referring to the portion of that quote that espouses that forced integration of housing is wrong. This quote is from the October 29, 2012 Pro Publica article "Living Apart: How the Government Betrayed a Landmark Civil Rights Law," which is just one article in an important ongoing series "Living Apart: Fair Housing in America."

Throughout history it has taken leadership, wisdom, moral judgment and bravery to enforce any civil rights law. To be factual, civil rights have been gained because our courts or our government, after prodding or a "knock down drag out fight" or even war, have FORCED the perpetrators of discrimination and segregation, for example, to stop and desist. Because the perpetrators of segregation are now wearing suits shouldn't make their behavior any more palatable for anyone who loves justice.  

Sadly, the core assumption behind the analysis of so-called "forced integration" is that segregation IS NOT FORCED, it is natural, good and the way things should be legally. This twisted logic seeks to thwart the hopes and rights of African Americans who in polls across the nation and also in a survey conducted for ERASE Racism say that they prefer to live in communities that are racially integrated and that they value quality education. Regrettably, because of forced segregation quality public schools are largely only available to people who live in majority white communities.

It is truly a sad commentary that in 2013, in Fair Housing Month, that the battle to ensure equal access to housing is still ongoing and that the fairness of open housing is still questioned by those in power.

V. Elaine Gross
President
ERASE Racism

What experiences have made you passionate about creating racial equity?

I attended Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, which was right on the Hempstead/Garden City boarder and the economic and racial disparity between the two made it obvious to me that racism was alive and well today. Moving to our nation's capital I encountered the same situation since the District has, and continues to undergo, large amounts of gentrification. There were also lots of dismissal and comments I heard from many people who refused to accept or admit how racism influences the lives and policies in the United States and world at large. 

Tell us about yourself.

I attended American University in Washington, D.C. and I received a BA in History and a certificate in Women, Policy, and Political Leadership through the School of Public Affair's Women & Politics Institute. During my studies I became interested in and focused on social history, social movements, and the development of rights. I traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland with my fellow classmates during the spring break of my sophomore year where we studied peacekeeping and conflict resolution. I plan on starting my MA in Social Work this fall (hopefully at Rutgers). I aspire to be a writer and advocate and hope to eventually receive a Ph.D in Gender Studies or Politics and Human Rights.

How would you describe your time volunteering with ERASE Racism?

Volunteering at ERASE Racism is great! I get to help with research, office work, social media, outreach, and events. It gives great insight into the workings of non-profit and policy organizations. My favorite experience so far was the Student Leadership Forum this past January. It was great to see so many students learning and discussing the effects of racism present in today's society and to see them motivated to create change. It's great to see that tremendous effort brings tremendous change.

For information on how to volunteer with ERASE Racism, click here.  

During my childhood I was not exposed to diverse communities. I have always lived in a predominantly black neighborhood and attended a predominately white school. The school I attend has always preached about the importance of diversity, but the lack of diversity doesn't correlate with the emphasis they put on the matter. I was constantly told diversity was important, but had no first hand experience as to why.

My experience at this summer program helped me to understand why I had been told my whole life about the importance of diversity. Once I was able to experience the value of a diverse community I realized it was something extremely important to me. It ended up playing a large factor in to my college search. My experience that summer made me realize I want to continue my education in an environment where diverse opinions are valued and people with different viewpoints can work together and learn from one another.

For more information about how students can get involved with ERASE Racism, click here.