Unequal Lessons: School Diversity and Educational Inequality in New York City

by Alexandra Freidus

Argues that diversity and racial integration efforts are not sufficient to address educational inequality

New York City schools are among the most segregated in the nation. Yet over seven decades after the Brown v. Board of Education decision, New Yorkers continue to argue about whether school segregation matters. Amid these debates, Alexandra Freidus dives deep into the roots of racial inequality in diversifying schools, asking how we can better understand both the opportunities and the limits of school diversity and integration.

Unequal Lessons is based on six years of observations and interviews with children, parents, educators, and district policymakers about the stakes of racial diversity in New York City schools. The book examines what children learn from diversity, exploring both the costs and benefits of school integration. By drawing on students’ first-hand experiences, Freidus makes the case that although a focus on diversity offers many benefits to students, it often reinscribes, rather than diminishes, existing inequalities in school policy and practice. The idea of diversity for its own sake is frequently seen as the solution, with students of color presumed to benefit from their experiences with white students, while schools fail to address structural inequality. Though educators and advocates often focus on diversity out of a real desire to make a positive difference in students’ lives, this book makes clear the gaps between good intentions and educational injustice.

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Unequal Lessons: School Diversity and Educational Inequality in New York City by Alexandra Freidus

A Nuanced Exploration of Diversity and Inequality in NYC Schools
Alexandra Freidus’s Unequal Lessons is a meticulously researched examination of the complex interplay between school diversity efforts and educational inequality in New York City. Freidus delves into the often-unintended consequences of well-intentioned diversity initiatives, revealing how they can sometimes exacerbate the very inequalities they aim to address. Through a blend of qualitative research and critical analysis, the book sheds light on the systemic challenges that continue to hinder true educational equity.

Key Strengths
-In-Depth Analysis: Freidus provides a nuanced understanding of how diversity policies impact different student populations, highlighting the gaps between intention and reality.
-Contextual Relevance: By focusing on New York City—a global hub with one of the most diverse student populations—the book offers insights that are both locally relevant and broadly applicable.
-Critical Perspective: The author challenges prevailing assumptions about diversity and inclusion, prompting readers to rethink the effectiveness of current approaches.

Potential Considerations
-Complexity: Some readers may find the detailed analysis dense, particularly if they lack a background in educational policy or sociology.
-Generalizability: While the NYC focus is a strength, it may limit the book’s direct applicability to other regions with different educational landscapes.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Research Rigor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A masterclass in unpacking the complexities of educational inequality.
-Analytical Insight: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Freidus’s critique is both sharp and thought-provoking.
-Relevance to Contemporary Issues: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Timely and essential for understanding ongoing debates.
-Narrative Flow: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5) – Dense in places, but rewarding for patient readers.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A mirror held to the unintended consequences of well-meaning reforms.

Ideal Audience
-Scholars and researchers in education, sociology, and urban studies.
-Policymakers and educators seeking to understand the nuances of diversity initiatives.
-Anyone interested in the challenges of achieving true educational equity in diverse urban environments.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Freidus for the advance review copy. Unequal Lessons is a critical contribution to the discourse on educational inequality, offering valuable insights for both academics and practitioners.

Note: Review based on an ARC; minor refinements may appear in the final edition.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unequal Lessons by Alexandra Freidus is a well-researched and clear-eyed look at educational inequality and how many well intentioned strategies are not, by themselves, the answer.

Diversity as a concept, for all but those who drink the orange Kool-Aid, is a positive goal. Unfortunately it is often implemented in a way that treats it like a standalone remedy to a multitude of institutional ills. In the case of education, we're talking about desegregation and integration primarily.

Freidus shows, through historical data and personal case studies, both the pros and the cons of these attempts to make education more equitable. Some of the drawbacks to diversity for diversity sake is that more harm than good can occur. The very hierarchies and institutional structures we want to correct or eliminate are instead reinforced.

While the studies she conducted were in New York City they are applicable across the country. The lessons learned are valid anywhere even if they manifest differently in a rural school district versus a suburban or urban one. Namely because a large part is how people treat people and how people understand the goal, which is to educate the children. No cookie-cutter remedies are offered because there are none, but the takeaways from each study can be applied to various situations in a more tailored manner.

If you have an interest in education reform this book is both accessible and useful. Even if you're not familiar with some studies or research Freidus explains everything she uses well enough for you to get the points she is making.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fascinating exploration of the New York City K-12 education system, Alexandra Freidus shares her six years’ worth of observations and interviews with readers as she explores the modern iteration of school segregation. Packed with details, anecdotes, and interviews, she argues that diversity offers benefits to students and will reduce extant inequalities in school policies and practices. Rather than just arguing for more predictable solutions to educational inequality, Freidus is more concerned with addressing structural educational inequality and best practices for students, teachers, parents, and the surrounding community, and she offers solutions and possible changes that the city could offer its current student population. Complicated, messy, and grounded in real experiences, this is a brilliant piece of investigative research that academics, parents of students, and nonfiction readers alike will really appreciate. Freidus’s writing style is engaging and accessible for most readers, and her experiences with the New York City public education city really show throughout the book. Each page offers critical details and possible responses to the current school segregation, and readers will particularly appreciate the depth of detail and research that dominates the book. Intriguing, thought-provoking, and well-researched, this detailed insight into the New York public education system is a compelling and fascinating read.

Thanks to NetGalley and NYU Press for the advance copy.

[meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

did not intend to request this ARC on NetGalley but so thankful that i did! thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!
as a former teacher turned lawyer who will soon work predominantly in the juvenile/child welfare fields, i think this should be required reading for everyone to "get their feet wet" in understanding how diversity initiatives such as DEI and school integration are only the tip of the iceberg in resolving deeply rooted issues that still permeate our society from segregation and slavery. though this is primarily based on experiences, interviews, and data from NYC schools, i taught at a school in the bay area (like the author) and saw so many parallels between the stories in the book and my own experiences with my students and their families (could go on and on!). having taught 6th grade, the middle school chapter especially hit SO hard; so many similar feelings, particularly of frustration and helplessness😭
there has never been a more urgent need to ensure our kids have the support and the high quality education they need than the present when our department of education is crumbling before our very eyes. our children deserve way better and education/schools continue to fail them every single day. the future of our country depends on them.

[Messy Mama Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is essential for anyone in education policy, school reform, or just curious about the real limits of diversity as a fix. It’s smart, sharp, and serious. It is obvious that she put a lot of time and research into this and I appreciated that.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!