BDT - Yes, I grew up in Massachusetts, went to college in Connecticut, and after a few years in the Midwest and West Coast, I returned to Massachusetts 16 years ago. I don't think we need to worry when young people choose to sit with people like themselves, with whom they may share common experiences and interests. When those groups are racially similar, we get nervous because it reminds us of the imposed segregation of the past, but in fact connecting with people like yourself can be an important part of identity development. We should also work to provide opportunities for young people to connect across lines of difference, however. BDT - Group projects where kids are working together toward a common goal are a great way.
Sports teams are a good example of bringing kids together.
Because that happened, when we graduated and went our own different ways, we didn't feel part of the college as a whole when it comes time for reunions. Sometimes people think that if you support cultural groups, it will be divisive, but in fact it can help students feel like the school cares about them, and then they feel more invested in the school. When students have limited personal contact with groups different than themselves, we have to try to bring in other perspectives in a variety of ways - literature, videos, guest speakers, if possible. If technology is available, chat rooms and e-mail with other school communities can help. Young black children do not describe themselves in terms of race, but as they get older, they do start to describe themselves that way.