School Colors

In 1968, Berkeley High School became one of the first fully integrated schools in the country. In 1994, it appears to be one of the most balkanized urban multicultural institutions in the country. Separate enclaves of race are the rule rather than the exception on campus, and these divisions are just as much reflected in the curriculum as in student social preferences and politics. A separate African-American studies program teaches subjects like "Black Psychology," a vocal Chicano-Latino student contingent wants its own department, and teachers debate the efficacy of "tracking," which divides students according to ability in theory, yet often separates by race in practice. In this very disturbing Frontline episode, the cameras capture a turbulent year in the life of Berkeley students, staff, and parents as they try to reconcile the progressive aspects of multiculturalism (i.e, learning tolerance, and gaining a new appreciation of other cultures) with the aggressive aspects of the same (a highly politicized curriculum, students divided into mutually distrustful racial groups). Education is almost an afterthought, a luxury which stands secondary to a lot of tippy toeing around by faculty and kowtowing to students. School Colors asks "will diversity bring us together or tear us apart?" It leaves little doubt about the present direction we're headed. A sobering assessment of the urban American high school in the bewildered 90s. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)