Restore Our Alienated Rights

Restore Our Alienated Rights (ROAR) was a political and social movement that emerged in the mid-1970s in Boston, Massachusetts. It was primarily a response to the school desegregation efforts in the city, notably the court-ordered busing that aimed to achieve racial balance in public schools. The movement was characterized by its vocal opposition to busing, which it argued infringed upon the rights of the local community and led to increased racial tensions.

Background

In the early 1970s, following a series of lawsuits and court rulings, Boston was mandated to desegregate its public schools through a busing plan. This plan required students from predominantly white neighborhoods to attend schools in predominantly black neighborhoods, and vice versa, in an effort to achieve racial integration. The decision was met with significant resistance from various communities, leading to widespread protests and, in some cases, violence.

Formation of ROAR

ROAR was formed in 1974 as a grassroots organization to oppose the busing plan. It was founded by Louise Day Hicks, a prominent political figure in Boston known for her opposition to school desegregation. ROAR stood for "Restore Our Alienated Rights," reflecting the group's belief that the busing plan alienated the rights of parents to choose where their children would go to school. The organization quickly gained support from parents, community leaders, and some political figures who shared its views.

Activities and Impact

ROAR organized rallies, marches, and public meetings to voice its opposition to busing. The group also engaged in lobbying efforts, seeking to influence lawmakers and public officials to reconsider or halt the busing plan. ROAR's activities contributed to the heightened tensions in Boston during this period, with the city becoming a national focal point for the debate over school desegregation and busing.

Despite its efforts, ROAR was unable to stop the implementation of the busing plan. However, the movement did succeed in drawing national attention to the issue of school desegregation and the challenges associated with implementing busing as a solution. The controversy surrounding busing in Boston and the activities of ROAR are often cited as significant factors in the broader debate over education reform and civil rights in the United States.

Legacy

The legacy of ROAR is complex. While the organization was effective in mobilizing opposition to busing and highlighting the concerns of certain communities, it also faced criticism for exacerbating racial tensions and opposing efforts to achieve racial integration in schools. The history of ROAR and the busing crisis in Boston continue to be studied as important chapters in the struggle for civil rights and education reform in the United States.