Tulsa School admission policy changes discussed

Alumni, parents and teachers packed the Education Service Center Tuesday night to talk about admission changes coming to Booker T Washington High School and Carver Middle School. <br><br>Tulsa Public

Wednesday, November 19th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Alumni, parents and teachers packed the Education Service Center Tuesday night to talk about admission changes coming to Booker T Washington High School and Carver Middle School.

Tulsa Public Schools is ending a 30-year-old court-mandated racial balancing act. That's opened up 30-year-old wounds. Right now, 45% of the student body must be black, another 45% white. School leaders say that policy violates a recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.

Many people told the school board Tuesday night they want to see admissions at Booker T and Carver mirror what happens at Edison. Students who live near Edison have preference to attend. They want the same preference for north Tulsa neighborhoods. Resident Julius Pegues: "it's double standard, good enough for Booker T."

The hearings will continue for the next two nights. Wednesday's meeting is at Edison. Thursday night's meeting is at Booker T Washington. Both are from 7 until 9 PM.