Conclusion

This paper has emphasized the things that urban-oriented colleges and universities, and those who develop policy affecting them, fail to do or do not do well. We recognize, of course, that institutions and people of good will and determination are struggling in cities all over the country to protect and expand higher education services for the poor and disadvantaged. Nevertheless, their backs are against the wall. Faced with problems at every turn, they need help—and they need it now.

We hope that help will be forthcoming. We are persuaded that what this nation decides to do about its cities—and what happens to all of the people in the cities—is connected inescapably to the future of democracy in America.