The educational complex is seen to act as a subsystem of the overall societal system whose main function is said to lie in the socialization of individuals for membership in the larger society. The socialization process, including mastery of norms, beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of the society, are seen to be permeated with institutionalized racism. As a vehicle of the socialization process, the educational system is considered to incorporate racist norms, standards, behavioral patterns, morals, and sense of social position in such a manner that the socializee is unaware of his absorption of a curriculum that is fundamentally racist. While American institutions contribute to institutionalized racism, the focus on the educational system has particular relevance since minority groups, ethnic minorities, and poverty groups attach high significance to education, particularly as the road to upward mobility. The major conclusion formulated from the evidence presented is that a pervasive and effective institutional racism permeates the entire education system. (Author/AM)