Noel Resolution (Resolution Number 1490)

              RESOLUTION NUMBER 1490
PART I
Policy 5100, Denver Public Schools, recognizes that the continuation of neighborhood schools has resulted in the concentration of some
minority racial and ethnic groups in some schools and that a reduction of
such concentration and the establishment of an integrated school population
is desirable to achieve equality of educational opportunity.
Therefore, in order to implement Policy 5100, the Board of
Education hereby directs the Superintendent to submit to the Board of
Education as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 1968, a
comprehensive plan for the integration of the Denver Public Schools.  Such
plan then to be considered by the Board, the Staff and the community and,
with such refinements as may be required, shall be considered for adoption
no later than December 31, 1968.
PART II
1. The Board of Education is faced with a serious social crisis.
We believe a majority of citizens of Denver have confidence in the ability
of this Board to meet the complex, difficult and controversial issues involved in this crisis.  However, the Board is aware of wide and deep distrust
of its motives and actions by certain racial and ethnic groups, and individuals within those groups.  It is accused of injustice, of perpetuating,
without concern, the educational and social evils occurring with de facto
segregation in schools.  These groups have been promised much by society in
general.  Repeated failures of performance have alienated good friends,
have created wide distrust of motives and have created an atmosphere where
responsible leadership and concerned citizen support are being lost to the
schools and to the community.  We are increasingly aware of feelings of
antagonism, of isolation, of hopelessness, of deep and unyielding bitterness,
real and intense.  These feelings are strongly held and are not subject to
easy communication to those who do not have a similar background.  The Board
now states that its policy will be to eliminate distrust of its motives and
performance by the minority community.
2. Also, the Board is aware of a different and widespread community distrust of Board motives and actions.  This is evidenced by a
substantial credibility gap, based on the fears of many citizens that their
freedom of choice of home location and concurrent school selection is or
will be threatened by proposed Board actions, particularly actions in the
solution of the educational problems of de facto minority ethnic and racial
segregation.  The words "bussing", or "reverse bussing" (meaning the transportation of white children into minority populated schools), express the
undefined fears of large numbers of Denver citizens that somehow the Board
and its policies threaten deeply felt sensibilities.  Here there is abroad
in Denver a degree of distrust that is frightening in its intensity and has
many ramifications.  Expressions of such feelings are frequently prefaced
by express denials of prejudice, racial or otherwise, and the Board accepts
such denials at face value and as evidence of the existence of good will
towards the minority communities of Denver.  The Board recognizes that the
voluntary support of citizens who presently hold such views is necessary to
the proper functioning of the school system.
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