Justice Department Discontinues Historic Louisiana School Agreement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department terminated a decades-old order related to school desegregation in Louisiana this week, describing its continued existence as a “historical wrong.” The repeal of the 1966 legal agreement with Plaquemines Parish schools was announced on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing discussions about civil rights agreements from the past.

According to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, this action reflects a commitment to move America forward. “With this decision, we are getting America refocused on our bright future,” Dhillon stated during the announcement.

The original agreement had aimed to ensure that African American students could enroll in schools that were previously all-white. Over the decades, such agreements were essential in gradually dismantling the barriers of institutionalized segregation across the nation.

Many advocates for civil rights believe the lifting of this agreement could influence similar orders across the United States, prompting further discussions about racial inequities and education policies.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, speaking in New Orleans, emphasized the significance of this development, calling it a pivotal step towards recognizing past injustices. She noted, “We must continue to evaluate the historical agreements established during the Civil Rights Movement.”

As communities reflect on the impact of desegregation efforts and their ongoing implications, this historic shift in Louisiana serves as a reminder of the continuing evolution of civil rights in education.