“Foundational Inequalities of "The Great Equalizer: in Texas: An Education Case Study of San Antonio, Texas, 1850-1900"

Abstract

The essay that follows explores how the institution of education bred social hierarchy, access to citizenship, and engineered generations-long racism through a case study in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Using Molina’s racial scripts, the essay will look at the three largest demographics in San Antonio—Latino, African American, and Anglo communities focusing on their racial relationships with state and local policies, practices, and textbooks in education from early education initiatives—the 1850s through 1900. To conclude the essay, a look at where the Texas education system began, a look at what has changed and what still needs to change to ensure a better and more equitable education for future generations.