Separate but equal

Welcome to 1953.

In a move some decried as state-sponsored segregation, the Legislature voted Thursday to divide the Omaha school system into three districts -- one mostly black, one predominantly white and one largely Hispanic.

Supporters, including the idea's sponsor and the Legislature's lone black senator, said the plan would give minorities control over the school board and ensure that schoolchildren aren't shortchanged in favor of white students.

Opponents said it was nothing but state-sanctioned segregation.

"We will go down in history as one of the first states in 20 years to set race relations back," said Sen. Pat Bourne of Omaha.

Gov. Dave Heineman signed the bill into law.

The law is unconstitutional and will not stand, said Omaha Public Schools superintendent John Mackiel.

"There simply has never been an anti-city school victory anywhere in this nation," Mackiel said. "This law will be no exception."

"History will not, and should not, judge us kindly," said Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha.

Why wait for history? Why not contact Gov. Heineman right now and tell him what you think?

UPDATE: A Suburban Guerrilla reader says the law is a political move to force the Omaha district to play nice in negotiations with suburban districts.