The Crucible of Desegregation

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The book explores the complexities of federal school desegregation policy following the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. It highlights the lack of clear definitions and frameworks from the Supreme Court, resulting in inconsistent lower court rulings influenced by political and educational contexts. Melnick examines the interactions between federal judges and administrators, illustrating how these dynamics created a fragmented desegregation policy amidst significant resistance. The analysis reveals enduring challenges in the civil rights landscape and underscores the pivotal role of desegregation in shaping the American civil rights movement.