When we create an algorithm, we make choices about what metrics and outcomes are important enough to include. Despite the reputation of algorithms as wholly impartial, they are inherently products of existing human ideologies and, often, biases.
In New York City, our choices have spoken volumes about our goals. The school choice algorithm has contributed to the systematic disenfranchising of Black and Latinx youth through use of racist and classist admissions metrics against the backdrop of a neutral matching algorithm.
Two years ago, the students of IntegrateNYC learned basic coding and created a prototype of a mechanized admissions system that would reflect the goals of an increasing number of students and educators citywide: integration, for its own sake and for the sake of access to a quality education for all students in all schools.
We are working to develop the prototype into a fully-functioning addition to New York City’s existing school choice algorithm so that our student-designed, equity-based algorithm for integration in school admissions can serve all 300,000 NYC public high school students. Researchers, coders, policymakers, parents, and students will come together to use real admissions data to make our vision for a transformed enrollment process a reality.
We are a youth-led organization that stands for integration and equity in New York City schools. We, the students, are the best experts on the impacts of segregation and inequality. At IntegrateNYC, we are also designers of solutions, advocates for transformative policy, and visionaries for a more just future.
We stand for the 5Rs of Real Integration. Learn more about us and our work at integratenyc.org