SOUTHWORDS
February 1977
Unfair busing is brought to the students' attention
no author
Several of the comments made by the clergyman at last week's Brotherhood assembly obviously touched on the emotions of many students and faculty members. The busing issue, which involved three suburbs, has for the most part received severe opposition.
Some supporters of this type of proposed busing claim that their reasons are for the sake of integration, for the sake of education or for the sake of both of these reasons.
Most of our parents have worked hard so that we may have the privilege of living in a peaceful community with a fine school. They pay high taxes in order to keep up the school and to insure a continuation of quality education. Our taxes are much higher than taxes for an inner city resident. Consequently schools in Chicago have much lower standards than our school does. Yet, some people want some of us to be bused to Chicago schools, and some blacks from Chicago to be bused out here.
This is not an issue of black versus white: this is an economic issue. It is hardly fair for a student whose parents are paying a small proportion of the tax money to receive a superior education. When, on the other hand, a Park Ridge prodigy, whose parents are paying high taxes, receives a lesser education as a direct result of busing.
In addition to the obvious educational disadvantages I have mentioned, why should a suburban student be forced into an environment where he/she does not have any friends but does have increased chances of skepticism concerning his/her very existence?
How can the government reserve the right to interfere with the natural social aspects of the human race? Segregation by race is a natural occurrence. If it was not there would be no reason for forced integration. Therefore, is not forced integration man's attempt to create something that was never meant to be? Forced integration can only lead to hostile actions among members of both groups involved.
If the supporters of busing are after superior education of disadvantaged individuals, they should attempt to provide it within the boundaries of their own territory. They should attempt to pass a referendum which would supply more money for the schools. If such action failed, they would have only themselves to blame for a poor educational system. Our country is based upon fairness and justice for all citizens. Busing is not fair for everyone. And if this type of busing between Chicago and the suburban areas goes into effect it will not be greeted with gracious acceptance.