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Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism

Cover of Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism

If all children could just get an education, the logic goes, they would have the same opportunities later in life. But this historical tour de force makes it clear that the opposite is true: The U.S. school system has played an instrumental role in creating and upholding racial hierarchies, preparing children to expect unequal treatment throughout their lives.