DOJ Ends School Desegregation Order Amid Equity Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently concluded a longstanding school desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, which was originally instituted in 1966. This action is part of a broader initiative under the Trump administration to reassess and potentially terminate similar federal oversight measures nationwide.

Historical Context and Rationale

The desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish was implemented during the civil rights era to dismantle racially segregated school systems. Although the district was officially integrated by 1975, the case remained active due to limited court proceedings and administrative inertia. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon characterized the termination of the order as rectifying a “historical wrong,” suggesting that the mandate had become outdated and imposed unnecessary administrative burdens on the local school system.

This action corresponds with policy changes during the Trump administration that sought to diminish federal participation in civil rights enforcement. In particular, Executive Order 14173 annulled multiple earlier directives that encouraged diversity and affirmative action, such as the ban on segregated facilities in federal contracts.

Implications and Concerns

Although DOJ officials claim that the desegregation order has achieved its goals, civil rights advocates worry that removing these mandates could result in a return to segregation in schools. Research from Stanford University shows that districts freed from court-ordered desegregation have seen a slow resegregation over the years. The study revealed that, on average, the white/Black dissimilarity index, a metric for measuring racial segregation, has increased. 

Center for Education Policy Analysis

Moreover, the termination of desegregation orders may disproportionately impact Black students, who are more likely to attend schools with higher minority populations and fewer resources. This trend raises concerns about educational equity and the potential erosion of the gains achieved since the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Broader Trends and Future Outlook

The decision in Plaquemines Parish indicates a broader pattern, with over 130 school systems across the United States still under DOJ desegregation orders. The current administration’s approach suggests a continued reevaluation of these cases, potentially leading to further terminations.

Critics argue that such actions could undermine the federal government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. They caution that without vigilant oversight, schools might revert to practices that perpetuate racial disparities.

Center for Education Policy Analysis

The DOJ’s decision to end the desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish reflects a significant shift in federal civil rights enforcement. While proponents view it as a necessary step to eliminate outdated mandates, opponents warn of potential consequences for educational equity. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of race and equality, the implications of such policy changes warrant careful consideration and ongoing scrutiny.

James Baldwin delivers an earth-shattering speech at Cambridge University during a debate with William F. Buckley.