Introduction

This chapter reveals how the socio-political forces listed have led to the reinstantiation of segregated systems and the elimination of the federal courts as a viable alternative to school reform from within. It focuses on court dealings and political implications; it serves as a critical race theory (CRT) counternarrative of parental involvement in which parents and students are actually on the front lines in these battles to reform their schools. Much of the education scholarship on urban children and families proposes ways to increase involvement among parents of color and poor parents. The city of Rockford, Illinois is a microcosm that exemplifies the sociopolitical events that took place in many cities in the northern United States. Parents of color in Rockford have been engaged in court action against the Rockford Public School District. In 1972 parents formed a coalition to boycott desegregation meetings until parents of color were granted representation on all steering committee groups.