Carter v. West Feliciana Parish School Board

Background

Several cases challenged segregated public school systems and were handled by the Court of Appeals, which in some instances allowed postponements of student desegregation beyond February 1, 1970. The Supreme Court reviewed those orders because they appeared to conflict with the Court’s earlier decision in Alexander v. Holmes County Board of Education, which directed prompt dismantling of dual school systems.

Reasoning

The core question was whether the appeals court could authorize delays in student desegregation. The Supreme Court held that allowing postponement past February 1, 1970 misapplied Alexander and reversed the appeals court decisions, sending the cases back for further proceedings consistent with immediate desegregation requirements. In a separate opinion, a Justice explained that Alexander shifts the burden to school boards to propose workable plans, that courts may order pupil and teacher reassignments or rezoning, and that gradual implementation is no longer constitutionally acceptable; he suggested that courts act quickly and aim for a short timetable.

Real world impact

The decision requires school districts and courts to move from delay to prompt action on student integration. The cases were sent back for further proceedings and the judgments were to issue immediately. The opinion indicates courts may consider federal education agency recommendations and that districts must show any proposed delay is truly unworkable.

Dissents or concurrances

Some Justices joined the explanation giving practical guidance, while other Justices protested that any retreat from Alexander’s “terminate dual systems at once” language was improper; a separate short memorandum said the appeals court had shown familiarity with local conditions and should not be summarily reversed.