This is not a black/ white issue, but a money issue. There are significant differences in the educational support systems available to the rich vs. many of those in struggling areas. Some of the most impoverished areas come with schools that many of the best teachers are not willing to/ scared to teach. Many areas/ schools do not have the diversity of classes that allows teachers to focus/ specialize education to the needs of varying students. There are no solutions that work for all. As has been mentioned here, if educators could be trusted to fairly and honestly evaluate their students, grades and letters could be an unbiased option.