Legal Document

391 U.S. 443 88 Supreme Court Reporter 1697 20 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 727 Arthur Lee RANEY et al., Petitioners,v.The BOARD OF EDUCATION the GOULD SCHOOL DISTRICT al. Number 805. Argued April 3, 1968. Decided May 27, Jack Greenberg, New York City, for petitioners. Robert V. Light, Little Rock, Ark., respondents. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion of Court. 1 This case presents question adequacy a 'freedom-of-choice' plan as compliance with Brown versus Board Education, 349 294, 75 753, 99 L.Ed. 1083 (Brown II), also considered today in 695, Green County School Kent County, 430, 1689, 716. The factual setting is very similar to that Green. 2 action was brought September 1965 District Eastern Arkansas. Injunctive relief sought against continued maintenance by respondent Education an alleged racially segregated school system. district has area 80 square miles and population some 3,000, whom 1,800 are Negroes 1,200 whites. Persons both races reside throughout county; there no residential segregation. system consists two combination elementary high schools located about 10 blocks apart Gould, district's only major town. One combination, Gould Schools, almost all white other, Field all-Negro. In 1964—1965 year were totally segregated; 580 Negro children attended Schools 300 Schools. Faculties staffs segregated. There attendance zones, each complex providing any necessary bus transportation its respective pupils. 3 state-imposed existed at time decisions Broard 347 483, 74 686, 98 873, 1083. Thereafter racial separation required policy. As Green, first took steps abandon policy remain eligible federal financial aid. adopted embodying essentials It made immediately applicable grades. Pupils choose annually between those not exercising choice assigned previously attended. 4 experience after three years operation 'freedom choice' mirrored Not single child enroll all-Negro although 85 enrolled 1967, over 85% still attend 5 litigation resulted from problem arose year. number applying enrollment fifth, tenth, eleventh grades exceeded places available applications 28 refused. thereupon filed on behalf 16 these others similarly situated. Their complaint injunctive relief, among other things, their being provision public facilities pupils inferior provided pupils, respondent's 'otherwise operating system.' While pending Court, plans replace building Petitioners unsuccessfully enjoin construction site, contending new should be built site avoid perpetuation unreported opinion, denied dismissed complaint. Court's view fact had without compulsion court order, approved Department Health, Welfare, 'seems indicate this more than pretense or sham meet minimum requirements law.' light conclusion held petitioners entitled requested, including injunction site. Appeals Eighth Circuit affirmed dismissal. 381 Federal Reporter, 2nd 252. We granted certiorari, 389 1034, 783, 19 822, set argument following 740, Monroe Commissioners City Jackson, 450, 1700, 733. 6 suggested 'no issue implementation raised Issues fairly cannot ordinarily upon appeal.' F.2d, 257. Insofar refers suggestion refuted record. embraced prayer petitioners' system' but tried argued parties decided Moreover, went consider merits, holding, agreement 'we find substantial evidence support finding proceeding carry out good faith.' Ibid.1 circumstances properly before us. On our decision Board, supra, establishes inadequate convert unitary, nonracial 'the remains dual Rather further dismantling system, operated simply burden parents responsibility which II placed squarely Board. must formulate and, courses appear open such zoning, fashion promise realistically promptly 'white' 'Negro' school, just schools.' Id., U.S., 441—442, S.Ct., 1696. 7 did press appeal denial have constructed rather Due illness reporter delay filing transcript proceedings meanwhile substantially completed. therefore modified position urged completely desegregated primary school. rejected proposition ground it 'was presented trial opportunity afforded offer feasibility plan, nor given pass thereon.' 254. Since remand, foreclosed making proposal proceedings.2 8 Finally, we hold case, dismissal improper exercise discretion. Dismissal will inconsistent imposed courts II. 299—301, 753. complexities inhering disestablishment state-established systems, contemplated better course would retain jurisdiction until clear been achieved. agree observation another panel judges 'should segregation cases insure (1) constitutionally acceptable adopted, (2) permissible so goal desegregated, non-racially rapidly finally achieved.' Kelley Altheimer, 378 489. See Kemp Beasley, 178. 9 judgment reversed remanded consistent supra. ordered. 11 Judgment Compare developing views expressed various panels 352 14; Clark 374 569; 483; 178; Jackson Marvell 22, 740. Appeals, while denying request appeal, observe 'there showing added could converted reasonable cost into integrated grade when appropriate arrives. note now occupied predominantly originally house High School.' 255.

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