Racial segregation was common in the U.S. in the previous century. For instance, a “separate but equal” doctrine implied the provision of separate facilities of the same quality for people of color. In 1947, the Coordinating Board of Texas Colledge and University System established a new, separate university (Texas College and University System, 1967). Despite the effort to ensure quality, the article displays discrimination hidden behind “good intentions.”
An emphasis on new facilities’ quality and equity serves as its source. Instead of allowing people of color to attend regular universities, the Coordinating Board established a separate facility. Moreover, the first paragraph of the article states that inclusion is “impracticable” (Texas College and University System, 1967). The repetitively mentioned word “equal” loses the positive connotation due to the overall hypocrisy toward people of color.
There is nothing wrong with providing equally qualitative education across the state universities; however, something is awry if new universities are created despite the sufficient capacity of the old ones. Even if a new university covers all educational directions equally, it will be impossible to ignore its segregational purpose. Unfortunately, this is the rare case when the word “equal” implies something naturally and utterly unequal.
Reference
Texas College and University System. (1967). Legislation establishing Texas State University for Negroes in Coordinating Board, Texas college and university system. Compilation of Constitutional and Statutory Laws Affecting Public Colleges and Universities, 305. Austin.