The Justice Department Ended a Decades-Old School Desegregation Order

In a pivotal development for civil rights and education in America, the U.S. Department of Justice has formally concluded its oversight of a decades-old desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This decision, while hailed by some as a sign of progress, also raises pressing questions about the future of racial equity in public schools across the nation.

Background of Desegregation Orders in the U.S.

After the historic 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling declared school segregation unconstitutional, federal courts began imposing desegregation orders on districts with histories of racial discrimination. Over time, these orders compelled school systems to dismantle segregation in areas such as student assignments, staffing, transportation, and facilities.

By the 1970s, hundreds of districts were under federal oversight. The Justice Department, often in conjunction with civil rights groups, was tasked with enforcing compliance and reporting progress to the courts.

The Case of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

The desegregation order for Plaquemines Parish originated in 1975 when the federal government determined the district had not adequately eliminated racially discriminatory practices. Over the following decades, federal courts monitored school operations to ensure compliance with mandates related to student placement, staff integration, and equitable resource distribution.

Recent reviews by the DOJ found the district had achieved “unitary status”—a” legal designation meaning it had sufficiently removed the vestiges of segregation in key areas. This ruling led to the official dismissal of federal oversight.

Why Was the Order Terminated Now?

The decision was based on years of court filings, progress reports, and site inspections. In 2023 and 2024, DOJ attorneys, along with independent evaluators, documented improvements in racial equity and consistent adherence to court-ordered requirements. After a public hearing and judicial approval, the Justice Department recommended ending the order.

Officials cited the district’s demonstrated capacity to self-govern in a nondiscriminatory manner but emphasized that compliance with constitutional principles must remain ongoing—even in the absence of court monitoring.

What Compliance Looked Like in 2025

As of this year, Plaquemines schools showed near parity in student access to honors courses, extracurricular programs, and modernized facilities. Hiring practices for teachers and staff had shifted to reflect greater racial representation. Transportation routes and attendance zoning were realigned to reduce racial isolation.

Still, some community members expressed skepticism, noting that equitable outcomes don’t always follow structural reforms. Graduation rates and disciplinary actions remain areas of concern among advocacy groups.

Role of Local School Districts

With federal oversight lifted, the responsibility to maintain integration and fairness now rests entirely with the local school board and administration. Education advocates stress the importance of local vigilance, citing that the absence of a court order does not equate to immunity from future litigation or regression.

Local officials pledged continued commitment to diversity and equity training, community engagement, and transparent reporting. But without regular DOJ check-ins, enforcement mechanisms may lack the force they once held.

Broader Legal and Political Context

This move aligns with a broader DOJ trend toward resolving long-standing school desegregation cases, particularly in the South. Legal scholars note that many such orders have remained open simply due to procedural delays, not necessarily ongoing noncompliance.

However, under certain administrations, DOJ priorities shift. Where one administration might aggressively pursue equity violations, another may emphasize closure and local autonomy. Critics argue that ending orders prematurely may lead to a quiet resurgence of de facto segregation, especially in underfunded districts.