Opinion ID: 711104
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: conclusion

Text: 47 In this appeal, Greensboro challenges the district court's adoption of Dillard's redistricting plan, which it contends is racially configured to guarantee the election of black-supported candidates. If the district court determines that race was the predominant factor in Dillard's redistricting plan, then Miller requires that the district court apply strict scrutiny in its analysis of the plan. For a redistricting plan to withstand strict scrutiny under the Voting Rights Act, the racially gerrymandered districts must be found to be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling interest. Miller, --- U.S. at ----, 115 S.Ct. at 2491; see supra note 8. We emphasize that we are not expressing any opinion as to whether the Dillard plan ultimately will meet the requirements of the Equal Protection Clause. Our decision is limited to the conclusion that because neither the magistrate judge nor the district court had the benefit of Miller with its reiteration of the importance of examining principles of compactness, contiguity, and respect for political subdivisions in analyzing the redistricting plan, it is necessary to remand the case. 48 We VACATE the decision of the district court and REMAND this case for a reevaluation of the proposed redistricting plans in light of Miller.