In Memphis, Old Strife Heats Up over Race in Schools

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – A struggling, majority-black school system
in Tennessee is trying to force a merger with a successful,
majority-white suburban district. And the bid has fanned relatively
routine fears over funding and student performance into accusations
of full-blown racism.

The fight over the fate of 150,000 public school students has
stirred long-festering emotions in Memphis and surrounding Shelby
County, creating a drama that has spread beyond school board
meetings to union rallies, the state Legislature and federal court.

On March 8, Memphis voters will decide whether to approve
disbanding the Memphis City Schools system and turning education
over to the county district, which is earning good grades on its
own and doing everything it can to stave off consolidation.