School Integration Task Force Records

Collection

Identifier: MS-0234

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The School Integration Task Force Records document the Task Force's research and findings concerning the San Diego Unified School District's integration plan. These records contain correspondence, monitor applications and logs, school assignments, student testing results, enrollment statistics, court orders and charges, task force reports, race/human relations materials, and surveys. The collection dates from 1974-1983, and is divided into two series: General Files and Reports and Surveys.

The General Files are arranged alphabetically, and document the organization and tasks of the task force. These files contain heavy documentation of monitor activities, such as monitor applications and assignments. There is excellent correspondence, including passionate letters from parents stating their opinions on integration and busing. Of the five task force committees, the Race/Human Relations committee is the best documented. The files also consist of court documents, teacher surveys, and pupil transportation, and date from 1974 to 1983.

The Reports and Surveys (1977-1983) series documents the findings of the task force and various research statistics and surveys used to compile those reports. This series is arranged alphabetically, and includes task force reports, testing results, enrollment statistics, and pupil ethnic census reports.

Dates

Creation: 1974-1983

Creator

School Integration Task Force (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Historical Note

In 1967, a group of parents filed a class action lawsuit against the San Diego Unified School District for alleged inequalities of educational opportunities for students of all ethnic backgrounds. This lawsuit became known as Carlin v. San Diego Board of Education. In 1977, Judge Louis Welsh ruled that the school district must employ a voluntary integration plan to combat segregation. As part of his ruling, Judge Welsh ordered the creation of the School Integration Task Force. The court charged the task force with monitoring and evaluating the implementation and progress of the school district's integration plan. The ITF would then make annual reports to the court at scheduled hearings.

Chief of Police, William Kolender, headed the 22-member task force. It was divided into 5 committees, each of which dealt with a specific component of the integration plan. These components included race/human relations, learning centers and exchange programs, Voluntary Ethnic Enrollment Program (VEEP), magnet programs, and any miscellaneous aspects that included topics not encompassed by the aforementioned components. The Task Force assigned volunteer monitors to specific schools. These monitors observed and evaluated classes, students, and specific integration programs. They also interviewed school personnel and students. In addition, Chief Kolender sent out a letter asking parents to give their opinions about the integration program and busing. Many parents responded, most of whom opposed busing specifically and integration in general.

Extent

5.42 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

I. General Files, 1974-1983

II. Reports and Surveys, 1977-1983

Source of Acquisition

Judy McDonald

Accruals

1983-009

Related Materials

Carlin Integration Case Records

Reverend George Walker Smith Papers

Harold K. Brown Papers

Other Descriptive Information

This collection was processed as part of the San Diego African American Archives Project, made possible by a grant from the President's Leadership Fund.