Question

While schools in Cleveland have never fully desegregated, many other school districts did integrate following the decision in Brown v. Board. But since the 1990s, hundreds of school districts have been released from court-ordered desegregation plans. Which statement can be inferred from this paragraph? Responses Before the 1990s, courts ensured that many school districts remained desegregated. Before the 1990s, courts ensured that many school districts remained desegregated. Before the 1990s, court-ordered desegregation plans were largely ineffective in the South. Before the 1990s, court-ordered desegregation plans were largely ineffective in the South. Since the 1990s, hundreds of school districts in the South have desegregated on their own. Since the 1990s, hundreds of school districts in the South have desegregated on their own. Since the 1990s, few school districts in the U.S. are integrated following the decision of Brown v. Board.

Answer 1

The most accurate statement inferred from the paragraph is that before the 1990s, courts actively upheld desegregation in schools, which aligns with historical efforts following the Brown v. Board of Education decision to end 'separate but equal' in education.

Step-by-step explanation:

The paragraph suggests that prior to the 1990s, court-ordered desegregation plans were in effect, ensuring that many school districts remained desegregated. However, since the release of hundreds of school districts from these court orders, it can be inferred that the progress that had been made in desegregation may have begun to reverse. Hence, the most accurate statement that can be inferred is 'Before the 1990s, courts ensured that many school districts remained desegregated.'

This is based on the historical context provided by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954, which struck down the doctrine of 'separate but equal' and ordered the desegregation of schools across America.

However, 'all deliberate speed' as from Brown II in 1955 left enforcement ambiguous and Southern resistance through mechanisms like the 'Southern Manifesto' slowed down or defied the implementation of desegregation, leading to continued struggles and the eventual need for more direct court-ordered integration methods.