HARRISBURG, February 19, 2017 − On behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and as member of the Pennsylvania Senate, the recent comments from my colleague, Senator Eichelberger that promote restrictions on opportunity for children in the inner city are reprehensible and unacceptable.
His reported assertion that too much emphasis is being placed on enabling inner city high school students to pursue college is deplorable. We must reject this call for 21st century segregation to restrict competition from blacks and browns that dominate inner city public schools so that the highest positions in our economy and community are reserved for those who do not live in the inner cities.
Of course, the expansion of vocational program alternatives throughout Pennsylvania is an important cause and one worthy of support. However, these life chances should not be based on race, ethnicity, economic status or zip code.
Senator Art Haywood
4th District