Forced busing: How soon we forget

By Kent R. Kroeger (NuQum.com, July 2, 2019)

Public Opinion on Busing in the 1970s

Public opinion data collected between 1972 and 1996 by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) shows the level of discontent among whites with respect to busing was always high (see Figure 1).

Source: NORC — General Social Survey

Is Support for Busing Trending Up?

If we accept the polling numbers at face value, public support for busing trended upwards after the tumultuous 70s, particularly among young African-Americans and whites (see Figures 2 and 3). Support among African-Americans between 18 and 29 years old rose from 50 percent in the 1970s to 65 percent in the 1990s; among whites, support grew significantly in all age groups, though never exceeding 50 percent for any single group.

Source: NORC — General Social Survey
Source: NORC — General Social Survey
Source: NORC — General Social Survey

Do the Democrats Really Want to Bring Back Mandated Busing?

Federally-mandated busing was a traumatic experience for many parents and children, black and white, even if there are cases such as entrepreneur Robert F. Smith where the experience brought positive results to their lives (Note: Senator Kamala Harris participated in a voluntary busing program in Berkeley, California — a policy Joe Biden does not oppose).