Re:"Bulgaria Opens School Doors for Gypsy Children", by John Tagliabue, June 13, 2001Dear Editor,We have read your article "Bulgaria Opens School Doors for Gypsy Children", which reports on the need of desegregation in schools.On the one hand, your article gives us an overview of many positive aspects that can be achieved if Gypsy children get integrated into schools. On the other hand, the disadvantages and difficulties of integration are described in your article as well.We are of the opinion that the attempt to integrate Gypsy children has not been easy and also will not be easy.Initiatives taking place in Bulgaria are just ...view middle of the document...
In South Africa as well blacks and whites are just starting to attend the same schools together after centuries of racial segregation in all levels of society. In Northern Ireland, Catholic and Protestant children attend separate schools. In many Arab countries, Muslim, Christian and Jewish children usually attend separate schools. Moreover, there are schools especially for girls or boys.To our opinion, in the field of education the doctrine ´separate but equal` has no place, because separate education supports all ideas of unequality and therefore also discrimination against specific groups. Segregation in education should not exist under any circumstances, because it may affect children`s hearts and minds.The first step to integrate people, who have a foreign cultural background, with another color of skin, different religion or whatever, is to start integration programmes in schools. Children should be educated that all men are created equal and that every person should be accepted. We believe that this would be a good way to avoid prejudices in society and to achieve a better understanding for each other.Unfortunately, there are always and there will always be people who are of the opinion that they are allowed to discriminate other people for what reason ever. But we think that something needs to be done and needs to be changed. And if we do not try it, nothing can be achieved or changed and nothing can succeed.Sincerely
