Justice Department Ends School Desegregation Order in Louisiana
Key Insights
The Justice Department ended a 1966 desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, citing administrative neglect and the district's integration since 1975.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry are urging the Justice Department to close all remaining desegregation cases in the state, arguing they impose unnecessary requirements and costs on schools.
Civil rights activists and experts express concern that ending these orders could lead to resegregation of schools and a disregard for addressing racial discrimination in education.
Research suggests that districts released from desegregation orders often experience greater increases in racial segregation compared to those still under court orders.
More than 100 school systems, primarily in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, remain under Justice Department desegregation orders.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
In 1954, the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. However, many Southern states resisted integration, leading to federal intervention. The Justice Department initiated numerous desegregation cases in the 1960s, including the one in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, where political boss Leander Perez staunchly opposed integration. A 1966 court order mandated desegregation in Plaquemines Parish, but resistance continued. While the court found the parish had sufficiently integrated its schools by 1975, the case remained open for decades.
Current Developments
In 2025, the Justice Department, under the Trump administration, dismissed the Plaquemines Parish case, calling its continued existence a "historical wrong." Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated this decision would allow the Plaquemines Parish School Board to redirect resources from integration efforts to other educational needs. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Governor Jeff Landry are advocating for the closure of all remaining desegregation cases in Louisiana, asserting that these orders place unnecessary burdens on local school districts.
Concerns and Opposition
Civil rights activists and legal experts have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of ending desegregation orders. Johnathan Smith, who worked in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division during President Joe Biden’s administration, argues that many districts remain segregated, and ending oversight could exacerbate the problem. Halley Potter, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, notes that research indicates schools often resegregate after being released from these orders. Robert Westley, a law professor at Tulane University, believes ending the orders signals a lack of commitment to addressing racial discrimination in schools. Raymond Pierce, president and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation, warns that dropping further cases would disregard educational opportunities for a large section of America and undermine the rule of law.
NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund has been actively involved in invoking desegregation orders to address inequalities in education. In 2020, the organization invoked a consent decree in Alabama’s Leeds school district when it stopped offering school meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing it disproportionately hurt Black students. Last year, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund said closing a predominately Black elementary school near a petrochemical facility disproportionately exposed Black students to health risks.
Takeaway for Readers
The Justice Department’s decision to end the desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish reflects a broader debate about the role of federal oversight in ensuring equal educational opportunities. While some view these orders as outdated and burdensome, others argue they are essential for preventing resegregation and addressing systemic inequalities. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for school districts across the South and the future of desegregation efforts.
How to Prepare
Stay informed about local school board decisions and policies related to diversity and inclusion.
Support community organizations working to promote equitable access to education.
Advocate for policies that address disparities in school funding and resources.
Who This Affects Most
Students in school districts with a history of segregation.
Communities that have experienced the effects of unequal educational opportunities.
Educators and administrators committed to creating inclusive learning environments.
FAQs
Q: What is a school desegregation order?
A court order mandating that a school district take specific steps to eliminate segregation and its effects.
Q: Why are some people calling for an end to these orders?
They argue that the orders are outdated, burdensome, and no longer necessary because schools have already achieved integration.
Q: What are the concerns about ending these orders?
Some fear that ending the orders could lead to resegregation of schools and a decline in educational opportunities for minority students.
Q: How many school districts are still under desegregation orders?
More than 100 school systems, primarily in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, remain under Justice Department desegregation orders.
Key Takeaways
The Justice Department has ended a decades-old school desegregation order in Louisiana, signaling a potential shift in federal oversight.
Supporters say that the desegregation order has been in place for too long.
Critics say that ending the order may undo decades of progress.
Discussion
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