Course | Columbia Law School

This seminar focuses on the school segregation of Roma (Gypsies) in Eastern Europe and looks at the current state of segregation in Eastern European schools and society; the history and causes of segregation; present attempts at integrating schools; and the difficulties of achieving successful integration. The seminar examines relevant EU and domestic laws, the mechanisms for enforcing these laws, and cases involving segregation, and explores the similarities and differences between Roma segregation and segregation in the United States. In particular, the seminar looks at the differing cultural, historical, and political backgrounds of the U.S. civil rights movement and the Roma rights movement; the role and efficacy of courts in furnishing remedies for school segregation; and how the U.S. experience can inform the development of integration policies in Eastern Europe. During the semester, guest speakers involved in both the Roma rights movement and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement will join the seminar.