What Color's Midterm Essay is a seminal work that delves into the complexities of race, identity, and social justice in the United States. The essay, written by What Color, a pseudonym for a Black American writer, provides a critical analysis of the American education system and its failure to address racial disparities.

In the essay, What Color argues that the education system perpetuates systemic racism by reinforcing stereotypes and neglecting the experiences of Black students. The author highlights the lack of representation of Black history and culture in the curriculum, which contributes to the marginalization of Black students. What Color also criticizes the over-policing of Black students and the use of zero-tolerance policies, which disproportionately affect them.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) supports What Color's claims. According to the NCES, Black students are more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white counterparts. In the 2017-2018 school year, Black students represented 15.5% of the student population but accounted for 39.4% of students suspended once and 20.7% of students expelled. These statistics underscore the systemic nature of racial discrimination within the education system.

Furthermore, the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) reveals that Black students are more likely to be assigned to special education classes, even when they have the same academic performance as their white peers. This indicates that the education system is not only failing to provide equal opportunities but is also actively segregating Black students.

What Color's Midterm Essay is a powerful critique of the American education system's failure to address racial disparities. The author's analysis is supported by data that demonstrates the systemic nature of racial discrimination within the education system. By highlighting these issues, What Color calls for a transformative change in the education system to ensure that all students, regardless of race, have access to a quality education.