Legal Document

373 U.S. 683 83 Supreme Court Reporter 1405 10 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 632 Josephine GOSS et al., Petitioners,v.The BOARD OF EDUCATION the CITY KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, al. Number 217. Argued March 20 and 21, 1963. Decided June 3, Jack Greenberg, New York City, for petitioners. Harlan Dodson, Nashville, Tenn., S. Frank Fowler, Knoxville, respondents. Burke Marshall, Washington, D.C., States, as amicus curiae. Petree, Memphis, Board of Education Memphis City Schools, Mr. Justice CLARK delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari (371 811, 38, 9 53) limited to question whether petitioners, Negro school children seeking desegregation public systems Tennessee (the Goss case), Davidson County, Tennessee, an area adjacent Nashville Maxwell are deprived rights under Fourteenth Amendment. The centers around substantially similar transfer provisions incorporated in formal plans adopted by respective local boards pursuant court orders. claim is that programs invalid because they based solely on race tend perpetuate pre-existing racially segregated system. Under overall presented trial courts, districts would be rezoned without reference race. However, terms provisions, a student, upon request, permitted, basis his own racial composition which he has been assigned virtue rezoning, from such school, where minority, back former majority. appropriate District Courts Appeals approved plans. 301 Federal Reporter, 2nd 164, 828. being factors which, their terms, inevitably lead toward segregation students race, we conclude run counter admonition Brown versus Topeka, 349 294, 301, 75 753, 756, 99 L.Ed. 1083 (1955), wherein were directed 'consider adequacy any plans' proposed authorities 'to effectuate * nondiscriminatory system.' Our conclusion here leads reversal judgments extent approve respondent each cases. only with concerned relates not called either discuss or pass other plans.1 I. 2 These cases brought pupils parents class actions against authorities. They challenged, among points relevant, permitted pupil transfer, zone residence another school. essentially same, containing, addition at issue here, general providing transfers showing 'good cause.'2 crucial however, present somewhat same form plan, examplified § 6 Knoxville plan: 3 '6. following will regarded some valid conditions support requests transfer: 4 'a. When white student otherwise required attend previously serving colored only; 5 'b. 'c. majority her grade different race.' 7 This provision attacked recial design operation segregation. It also said no made essential effectuation procedures available. II. 8 readily apparent system lends itself perpetuation Indeed, can work end. While available those who choose majority, there whereby might request unless qualifies cause' transfer. As Superintendent County's schools agreed, effect plan was permit child (or parents) outside but integration zone.' Here right operates classification, one-way ticket leading one destination, i.e., transferee continued decided state-imposed separation inherently unequal results discrimination violation 347 483, 74 686, 98 873 (1954). task then decide these likewise unconstitutional. In doing so, note if all regardless well requested have entirely case. Pupils could option choose, free imposed considerations, remain another. III. Classifications purposes between schools, violate Equal Protection Clause Steele Louisville & R. Co., 323 192, 203, 65 226, 89 173 (1944), classifications 'obviously irrelevant invidious.' this reflect variety instances held invalid, e.g., parks playgrounds, Watson 526, 1314 (1963); trespass convictions, ordinances preempt private choice, Peterson Greenville, 244, 1119 seating courtrooms, Johnson Virginia, 61, 1053 Restaurants buildings, Burton Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 715, 81 856, 45 (1961); bus terminals, Boynton Com. 364 454, 182, 206 (1960); Education, supra; railroad dining-car facilities, henderson 339 816, 70 843, 94 1302 (1950); state enforcement restrictive covenants Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 68 836, 92 1161 (1948); labor unions acting statutory representatives craft, voting, Smith Allwright, 321 649, 64 757, 88 987 (1944); juries, Strauder West 100 303, 25 664 (1879). recognition absolute criterion granting operate direction transferee's less unconstitutional than its use original admission subsequent assignment schools. See Boson Rippy, 285 43 (C.A.5th Cir.). alleged equality—which view superficial—of enabling desegregated does save Like arguments success Brown, supra, separate equal educational program. Not factor operate, lack facility obvious two combination underscores purely character purpose provisions. hold promote therefore invalid. 11 say partents' consistent sound administration conditions, fall. Likewise, case unrestricted, allowing therein. But official inevitable consequence may stand 12 reaching result unmindful deep-rooted problems involved. it consideration multifarious difficulties 'variety obstacles= arise transition led eight years ago frame mandate language faith compliance earliest practicable date' 'all deliberate speed.' U.S., 300, 756. Now, after decree rendered over nine first decision, context must interpret apply significantly altered. Compare supra. cannot deemed reasonably designed meet legitimate problems, do requirements Brown. Accordingly, decisions Appeals, insofar submitted education reversed remanded directions remand further proceedings accordance opinion. 13 Reversed remanded. A full discussion found affirmed, modifications relevant over-all including Likewise County 828, affirmed action approving set out detail Plan provides (R. 31): '5. Requests grades Zone given when writing guardians position parents, good cause therefor shown practicable, administration.' 214): '4. Application students, according gradual careful guardians,

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