Document: 402 U.S. 43 91 S.Ct. 1284. 28 L.Ed.2d 586 NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION et al., Appellants,v.James E. SWANN al. No. 498. Argued Oct. 13, 1970. Decided April 20, 1971. Syllabus North Carolina's Anti-Busing Law, which flatly forbids assignment of any student on account race or for the purpose creating a racial balance ratio in schools and prohibits busing such purposes, held invalid as preventing implementation desegregation plans required by Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 45—46. 312 F.Supp. 503, affirmed. Andrew A. Vanore, Jr., Raleigh, State Bd. Ed. others. James M. Nabrit, III, New York City, Swann Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 This case is here direct appeal pursuant to U.S.C. § 1253 from judgment three-judge court United States District Court Western Carolina. The declared unconstitutional portion Carolina General Statutes known Law,1 granted an injunction against its enforcement.2 proceeding before was ancillary connected with school heretofore discussed, v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 1, 1267, 554. instant taken Board Education four state officials. We Charlotte - Mecklenburg board's motion join appeal, 400 804, 11, 27 34 (1970). 2 When litigation recommenced spring 1969, specifically directed that board consider altering attendance areas, pairing consolidation schools, bus transportation students, other method would effectuate racially unitary system. That actively prosecuted. submitted series proposals, all rejected inadequate. In midst this over remedy implement Court's order, Legislature enacted anti-busing bill, set forth relevant part footnote 1. 3 Following enactment statute plaintiffs obtained leave file supplemental complaint sought injunctive declaratory relief statute. They convene court, but no action requests at time because thought law did not interfere proposed plan transport about 4,000 Negro children white suburban schools. 306 1291 (WDNC 1969). Other parties were added defendants order dated February 25. addition, certain persons who had brought suit enjoin impede federal attorneys those litigants, judges various times entered injunctions authorities blocked compliance orders also joined; then convened. 4 observed Swann, supra, U.S., 16, S.Ct., 1276, have wide discretion formulating policy, matter educational policy may well conclude some kind desirable quite apart constitutional requirements. However, if state-imposed limitation authority's operates inhibit obstruct operation system disestablishing dual system, it must fall; give way when hinder vindication guarantees. 5 legislation us prohibition absolute, inescapably operate remedies case. But more important exploits apparently neutral form control directing they be 'color blind'; requirement, background segregation, render illusory promise Brown Education, 347 483, 74 686, 98 L.Ed. 873 (1954). Just students considered determining whether violation has occurred, so remedy, To forbid, stage, assignments made basis deprive one tool absolutely essential fulfillment their obligation eliminate existing systems. 6 Similarly flat inevitably conflict duty disestablish As we Constitution does compel particular degree mixing, past continuing violations are found, ratios likely useful starting points shaping remedy. An absolute use device—even point—contravenes implicit command Green County School Board, 391 430, 88 1689, 20 716 (1968), reasonable methods available formulate effective 7 likewise assigned race, 'or ratio,' will similarly hamper ability local effectively violations. noted 29, 1282, long been integral public systems, unlikely truly could devised without continued reliance upon it. 8 remainder affirmed reasons stated opinion, 503. 9 Affirmed. So far relevant, N.C.Gen.Stat. 115—176.1 (Supp.1969) reads follows: 'No shall compelled attend creed, color national origin, religion origins. Involuntary bussing contravention article prohibited, funds used bussing.' 503 printed grants only relief. amended original withdrawing Part V entering June 22, 1970, enjoined 'from enforcing, seeking enforcement of,' found unconstitutional.

Category: 1