Lawmakers passes school division bill
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — It’s a move some are decrying as
state-sponsored segregation.
The Legislature voted today to divide the Omaha school system
into three districts. One would be mostly black, one predominantly
white, and one largely Hispanic.
Supporters of the measure include the idea’s sponsor and the
Legislature’s lone black senator. They say the plan would give
minorities control over the school board and ensure the
schoolchildren aren’t shortchanged in favor of white students.
Opponents say it is nothing but state-sanctioned segregation.
One bill opponent, Senator Pat Bourne, says enactment of the
measure would have Nebraska going down in history as one of the
first states in 20 years to set race relations back.
Governor Dave Heineman was expected to sign the measure into
law.