Opinion ID: 381246
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Dilution of Equal Protection Guarantees

Text: 23 The amendments would be constitutionally flawed if they diluted rather than enforced equal protection guarantees. 74 As construed, however, these amendments do not pose this problem. We concluded above that these amendments do not preclude the threat of fund-termination for non-complying districts except if deployed to induce a busing remedy. With that exception, HEW can still use this enforcement tool which appellants characterize as the single most effective remedy for desegregating schools receiving federal aid. 75 As the amendments also leave in place the enforcement options at the Department of Justice, we cannot find that on their face they restrict, abrogate, or dilute the guarantee of equal protection. 76 Where a choice of alternative enforcement routes is available, and the one preferred is not demonstrably less effective, Congress has the power to exercise its preference. 77