How Housing and School Policy Maintains an Affluent and White Inner-Ring Suburban School District

• In Event: 28.089 - MTCC Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 28.089-7 - Social Policies and Their Impact on Students and Schools

Abstract

This study examines the lack of demographic changes of Lower Merion Township and the zoning and housing policies of Lower Merion Township that contributed to why and how these jurisdictions stayed relatively White and affluent throughout its history. Lower Merion’s Main Line culture of affluence and Whiteness led to zoning and housing decisions that created a complex system of buffers that excluded minority and middle-to lower income populations from the Township. Findings show that that the Lower Merion School District operates within the confines of the municipality shaping of the boundaries. Yet, the School District has recently sought to reach beyond the confines of the narrative to address issues of inequalities within the district.

Author

• Heather Bennett, Pennsylvania School Boards Association