New York's public schools are more segregated than those in other parts of the country

Erin Einhorn:

Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said yesterday New York's public schools are more segregated than those in other parts of the country because they mirror the racial divide in the city's neighborhoods.

"Throughout the country, there are patterns of racial segregation," Klein said between Martin Luther King Day events.

"My solution is for every kid, wherever he or she is, whatever race, whatever background, to make sure they get a good quality education.

"One of the things I think is really important is that our schools are improving for all kids."

Klein's comments followed a recent study by Harvard University's Civil Rights Project that found more black and Latino children in segregated schools in New York than in any other state except California.

Study author Gary Orfield said the problem is more severe in New York City than statewide.

"New York has always been extremely segregated," Orfield said.

So schools in blue states like New York and California are more racially segregated than those in the "racist" red states.

School segregation growing in California, study finds

Segregation in the NYC schools