What does the "business-as-usual" approach to school desegregation focus on?

The "business-as-usual" approach to school desegregation primarily emphasizes the one-way absorption of ethnic minorities into the existing school culture. This method implies that rather than actively fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all cultural backgrounds are valued and integrated, the focus is on incorporating minority students into a predominantly established and traditional culture without making substantial changes to the existing system or recognizing the unique cultural heritages that these students bring.

This approach often leads to the maintenance of traditional norms and practices, which may inadvertently marginalize the experiences and contributions of minority groups. By prioritizing the existing school culture over equitable treatment or support for diverse backgrounds, this strategy risks perpetuating inequalities rather than addressing them.

In contrast, other approaches to desegregation prioritize cooperative engagement, equitable treatment, and the celebration of cultural heritages, which are essential for fostering a truly inclusive educational environment.