Is integration essential for educational equity?- Jonathan Benitez

I do not believe integration is essential to have a good education, however I do believe that it would be beneficial in order to have a more diverse and open minded way of thinking, about society and our world as a whole. Although many would quickly exclaim to the lack of diversity, I believe schools offering "good education" should be everywhere, rather than just in one place. I think it makes sense for students from one neighborhood to all go to the same school, and it seems almost unfair for students having to go 7+ miles to receive a quality education.I think everyone from any neighborhood should be able to attend a good school, which would most likely result in a preference race. Additionally, students tend to split themselves off and ultimately don't learn a whole lot from students from the other race and ethnicity. In contrast, I do believe it's important to be wary of the differences which divide people, and a great importance for students to experience and see the diversity in culture and religion which differentiate us each. I think through diversity, students realize part of their identity, and ultimately realize that by adding their own little contribution to to society and school, they are able to make a huge impact in our society. For instance, with a growing number of minority groups mixing with students who per say have more privilege, these students are able to have an advantage which will later allow them to contribute to the make up of society and hopefully break up the roles we have formed in which the poor tend to be the minority groups and the rich who tend to be white. Even more, with diversity a change in way of thought occurs in which, by being exposed to different people, we gain a radical way of thinking where we accept one another and provide equal rights to each other. Thus, with diversity we eliminate the stereotypes which start a young age, and move away from conservative ideas which tend to neglect certain individuals rights. Ergo, I believe integration is not essential for a good education, yet would definitely revolutionize the way people view one another.