To answer the question of who shall receive equal, quality education in America, the purpose of education as it is tied to the democratic philosophy of the United States should be examined. Most Americans give lip service to the principles of democracy in education, but resist their implementation. Yet, multiracial schools are essential if all children are to have the opportunity to survive and thrive in our society. One of the most recent obstacles to equal, quality education is the Supreme Court's reversal of the Bradley Vs. Milliken decision, which maintains that the original judge erred in ordering a metropolitan Detroit desegregation plan without evidence of segregation in the suburban districts. It is evident, nonetheless, that urban communities have become black and minority enclaves which are ringed by all white suburbs. Another barrier to school desegregation has been school boards' determination to maintain the segregated status quo. Discrimination also occurs when tests are allowed to predict academic success. Student and teacher racial attitudes are clearly related to all the above factors. Educators must work against these forces of discrimination. Teacher training programs should ensure that future teachers understand minority cultures and problems. (Author/MC)