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Inequality in schools: Are more government grants the answer?

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The New York Times published a story on March 21 reporting racial inequality in schools based on a study conducted by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. The story states that "Racial Minorities are more likely than white students to be suspended from school...." It also pointed out that math and science classes are not as available to minorities as they are to white students, as well as the fact that minorities are often taught by less experienced teachers.

To combat this tide of inequality, President Obama is working to grant millions to states who work to change the situation. Motoko Rich, in the New York Times article reporting on this issue, states,

"In his budget request to congress, President Obama has proposed a new phase of his administration's Race to the Top competitive grant program, which would give $300 million in incentives to states and districts that put in place programs intended to close some of the educational gaps...."

But will $300 million be enough to prevent racial inequality? Will another government grant in education really make a difference?

In 1983, a government report entitled Nation at Risk was issued that described the threatening truth of how American education was on a decline. Since then there have been numerous grants in education over the years. Have they worked?

While it is unclear what a solution to our nation's education dilemma is, empirically speaking, history has shown that more government money has not been the answer America needs.

The racial inequality that is present in schools today, will not be resolved by $300 million from the government. One has to beg the question, will more money from a federal government that is over $17 trillion in debt fix our nation? Or will it only make it more of a nation at risk?