Charles Russo is a professor and chair of the Educational and Administrative
Department at the University of Dayton's School of Education and Allied
Professions, as well as an adjunct at the University's School of Law. Dr. Russo
has assisted in organizing an international conference that will be held in
South Africa this spring to examine equal educational opportunities.
---How much progress has been made in school desegregation since the
Brown vs. Board of Education case?
A tough question, depending on who you ask. In terms of numbers as to
integration, things appear to be better. However, if one looks at urban
schools systems, there is still a great deal to be done.
---How important has the Brown decision been, internationally, in
establishing a precedent for injustices in educational systems?
Actually, Brown is pretty well known in international Education Law circles.
Although it is not used as precedent, per se, educational leaders look to it as
a
kind of beacon of hope for equal educational opportunities.
---Tell us a little about the international conference, which will be
held in Pretoria, South Africa, this spring.
Please see below for the Conference outline and questions. These should help.
---What is the overall mood at such a conference towards the progress
being made in educational systems and opportunities worldwide?
Generally hopeful but cautious. That is, in SA, in particular, where AIDS casts
such a shadow over things, it is difficult for many people to get too excited
because resources are tough. In another place I've worked, Bosnia, folks were
initially excited but seem to have gotten back to expecting little change.
INTERNATIONAL COMPARATIVE CONFERENCE
ON EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Brown v. Board of Education at 50 & the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa at 10
Dates: 22 - 24 April 2004, Pretoria, South Africa
A Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria, Interuniversity Centre for Education Law and Education Policy, South African Education Law and Policy Association and the Education Law Association (USA), the University of Dayton, Initiative with the collaboration of the Embassy of the USA (Pretoria)
Steering Committee: Dr. Jonathan Jansen (ex officio), Dr. Johan
Beckmann, Dr. Rika Joubert, Dr. Brian K. Perkins, Dr. Charles J. Russo