Case: United States of America v. Avoyelles Parish School Board

1:65-cv-12721 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana

Filed Date: March 2, 1967

Closed Date: Oct. 17, 2018

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The United States, as plaintiff, filed this school desegregation case in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 1967, with Judge Edwin Hunter presiding. The United States sued the Avoyelles Parish School Board to enjoin the operation of a segregated school system. Initially, the Board pursued a freedom-of-choice approach to desegregation. The Fifth Circuit at first approved the use of freedom of choice plans in United States v. Jefferson. 372 F.2d 836 (5th Cir. Dec. 29…

The United States, as plaintiff, filed this school desegregation case in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 1967, with Judge Edwin Hunter presiding. The United States sued the Avoyelles Parish School Board to enjoin the operation of a segregated school system.

Initially, the Board pursued a freedom-of-choice approach to desegregation. The Fifth Circuit at first approved the use of freedom of choice plans in United States v. Jefferson. 372 F.2d 836 (5th Cir. Dec. 29, 1966). And even in the wake of Green v. County School Board of New Kent County, 391 U.S. 430 (1968), in which the Supreme Court expressed frustration at the inadequacy of freedom of choice plans, the Western District continued to accept them as a viable option. See Adams v. Matthews, 401 F.2d 181 (5th Cir. Aug. 20, 1968); Conley v. Lake Charles School Board, 293 F.Supp. 84, 87 (W.D. La. Nov. 14, 1968) (including Avoyelles Parish). Ultimately, however, in Hall v. St. Helena Parish, a consolidated appeal of cases from across Circuit, the Fifth Circuit ordered the district courts to reverse course and solicit alternative plans from the various defendant school boards. 417 F.2d 801 (5th Cir. May 28, 1969) (including Avoyelles Parish).

Through the 1970s and 80s, the Board and the United States worked on various desegregation plans. On April 22, 1987, a private plaintiff was allowed to intervene on behalf of his minor child. The district court remained active through the 1980s and 1990s, approving and modifying various Board plans. On July 7, 1988, for example the district court (Judge Nauman Scott) ordered the Parish to close a number of schools after finding the Board's proposed plan unacceptable. Through the 2000s, the Board continued to make various amendments, with court approval, to its desegregation plans, including lots of school construction.

By 2012, the district court began to declare unitary status in some areas, including transportation, faculty and staff and extracurricular activities. Then on May 21, 2015, the court issue a consent order declaring unitary status in student assignment and discipline, but decided to retain jurisdiction for monitoring purposes for three years.

On October 2, 2018, the defendant filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to the order on May 21, 2015. The defendant contended that it had complied fully and faithfully with all applicable federal laws and the terms of the Consent Order for the past three years, including avoiding any official action with the effect of perpetuating or reestablishing a dual school system, and taking steps to further the desegregation of its schools and eliminate the effects of the previous dual school system.

On October 17, 2018, the court granted the motion to dismiss. 

After a long period of inactivity, the case was reopened in 2022 by the plaintiff intervenor, Allen Holmes, who had been allowed to intervene in the case in 1987.

On August 29, 2022, this case was reassigned to Judge Elizabeth E. Foote

On December 9, 2022, the intervenor filed a motion to reopen the case. The intervenor claimed that AVAP, which serves students with discipline problems and has an approximately 80% African American male population, violated four Greenfactors including student assignment, faculty assignment, staff assignment, and facilities. Holmes alleged that the Avoyelles Parish School Board (“APSB”) was in violation of the 2015 consent order, which declared the school system unitary but retained the court's jurisdiction for three years. The alleged violation involved the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program (“AVAP”), a school for students with disciplinary problems. Holmes argued that the AVAP was racially segregated in violation of the consent order.

On December 9, 2022, the case was reassigned to Judge Terry A. Doughty.

In response, the defendant filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 12(b) or in the alternative a more definite statement pursuant to FRCP 12(e).

On December 20, 2022, the court denied both the motion to reopen and motion to dismiss as moot. The court construed Holmes' motion as an attempt to enforce the 2015 consent order rather than reopen the case, since the case had never been formally closed despite the court's jurisdiction expiring in 2018. The court also dismissed the APSB’s motion to dismiss as moot. The court denied Holmes' motion, finding that he failed to demonstrate actual violations of the Consent Order. The court also denied APSB's motion to dismiss as moot, noting that such motions are procedurally improper at this stage since "this case has far exceeded the complaint stage." 2022 WL 17839348.

On February 9, 2023, the Fifth Circuit dismissed the case for failure to prosecute.

As of April 2026, this case is closed. 

Available Opinions

United States v. Avoyelles Parish School Board, Civ. A. No. 65-12721, 2009 WL 1505305 (W.D. La. May 28, 2009) (admonishing the Board for its generally slow progress in achieving unitary status; largely approving a "radical" new plan from the Board to achieve desegregation)

United States v. Avoyelles Parish School Board, Civ. A. No. 65-12721, 2011 WL 2356977 (W.D. La. Mar. 22, 2011) (approving school construction expenditure)

United States v. Avoyelles Parish School Board, Civ. A. No. 65-12721, 2016 WL 3636698 (W.D. La. June 29, 2016) (dispute over attorneys fees for plaintiff-intervenor's attorney)

Summary Authors

Greg Margolis (2/25/2017)

Sichun Liu (5/30/2019)

Haleigh Knowles (4/13/2026)

Related Cases

Hall and United States of America v. St. Helena Parish School Board, Middle District of Louisiana (1952)

Guillory v. Avoyelles Parish, Western District of Louisiana (2010)

Conley v. Lake Charles School Board, Calcasieu Parish School Board, Western District of Louisiana (1964)

Related School Desegregation Cases in the Western District of Louisiana, Western District of Louisiana (1964)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5101158/parties/united-states-v-avoyelles-parish/


Judge(s)

Doughty, Terry Alvin (Louisiana)

Drell, Dee D. (Louisiana)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Dann, Mark (District of Columbia)

Hebert, Janice E. (Louisiana)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Foti, Charles C. Jr. (Louisiana)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:65-cv-12721

Docket

United States v. Avoyelles Parish School Board

April 15, 2005

April 15, 2005

Docket

1:65-cv-12721

Docket

United States of America v. Avoyelles Parish

July 22, 2016

July 22, 2016

Docket
48

1:65-cv-12721

Ruling

United States v. Avoyelles Parish School Board

May 28, 2009

May 28, 2009

Order/Opinion

2009 WL 1505305

131

1:65-cv-12721

Ruling and Order

March 22, 2011

March 22, 2011

Order/Opinion

2011 WL 2356977

220

1:65-cv-12721

Supplemental Motion to Submit Minutes of the Needs Assessment Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board

Feb. 25, 2012

Feb. 25, 2012

Pleading / Motion / Brief
213

1:65-cv-12721

Judgment

Dec. 14, 2012

Dec. 14, 2012

Order/Opinion
365

1:65-cv-12721

Memorandum and Ruling

June 29, 2016

June 29, 2016

Order/Opinion

2016 WL 3636698

386

1:65-cv-12721

Memorandum Order

Dec. 20, 2022

Dec. 20, 2022

Order/Opinion

2022 WL 17839348

390

1:65-cv-12721

USCA Judgment

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Feb. 10, 2023

Feb. 10, 2023

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5101158/united-states-v-avoyelles-parish/

Last updated April 16, 2026, 8:19 p.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 March 2, 1967

PAPER DOCKET SHEET AS OF 4/18/05 (crt,Franklin, K) (Entered: 04/18/2005)

PACER
2 April 18, 2005

RULING that the motion, as amended, to modify this court's judgment dated 7/6/98 is GRANTED as being in the best interest of all the school children in Avoyelles Parish. This is not a final ruling. The financing of the plan is contingent upon approval by the appropriate voters of three seperate, but interelated, taxing proposals. If, and only if, each of the three seperate financing proposals receives certified voter approval will this ruling be operational and authoritative. Signed by Judge F A Little Jr on 4/18/05. (crt,Franklin, K) (Entered: 04/20/2005)

PACER
3 July 25, 2005

MOTION to Reconfigure the Avoyelles Parish Public Elementary Schools WITH CONSENT by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits # 2 Text of proposed order)(crt,Franklin, K) MOTION REFERRED BY ALEXANDRIA OFFICE (Entered: 07/26/2005)

PACER
4 July 28, 2005

ORDER granting 3 Motion to Reconfigure the Avoyelles Parish Public Schools allowing a sixth grade in each of the six elementary schools to be moved to the Pre−K through 5 campuses and be permitted beginning the school year 2005−2006. Signed by Judge F A Little Jr on July 27, 2005. (crt,Dean, S) Modified on 7/29/2005 to correct Judge (Dean, S). (Entered: 07/28/2005)

PACER
5 Nov. 2, 2006

RESPONSE by School Board of Avoyelles Parish in reference to enrollment data for the school year 2006−2007. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 11/02/2006)

PACER
6 March 12, 2007

MOTION for Approval of Provisional Custody by Mandate for Purpose of Enrollment by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits ; # 2 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 03/19/2007)

PACER
7 March 19, 2007

MINUTE ENTRY: Case reassigned to Judge Dee D Drell. Judge F A Little, Jr no longer assigned to case. (crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 03/19/2007)

PACER
8 March 20, 2007

ORDER granting 6 Motion for Approval of Provisional Custody by Mandate that Rebecca Bergeron be allowed admission into Avoyelles High School. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 03/20/07. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 03/20/2007)

PACER
March 23, 2007

MAIL RETURNED as Undeliverable: Mail sent to Remy V Starns, Starns Shires Mettauer, P. O. Box 231, Logansport, LA 70149, re: 7 Order Reassigning Case, returned marked: return to sender, not deliverable as addressed. (crt,Darnell, C) (Entered: 03/29/2007)

PACER
March 26, 2007

MAIL RETURNED as Undeliverable: Mail sent to Remy V Starns, Starns Shires Mettauer, P. O. Box 231, Logansport, LA 71049, re: 8 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief, returned marked: return to sender; not deliverable as addressed. (crt,Darnell, C) (Entered: 03/29/2007)

PACER
9 April 2, 2007

MOTION to Approve the Moving of the Alert School to the Hessmer Public School Campus by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 04/03/2007)

PACER
10 April 5, 2007

ORDER granting 9 Motion to Approve the Moving of the Alert School to the Hessmer Public School Campus by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. ORDERED that Avoyelles Parish School Board shall send this notice to all parties involved and allow them to file objections within 30 days of notice; FURTHER ORDERED that Avoyelles Parish School Board be allowed to continue its operation of the Alert School at the Hessmer campus until further notice from the court. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/04/07. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 04/05/2007)

PACER
11 May 31, 2007

MOTION for Final Approval for the Moving of the Alert School to the Hessmer Public School Campus by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits ; # 2 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 06/05/2007)

PACER
13 July 31, 2007

MOTION for Authority to Sell School Property by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits ; # 2 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 07/31/2007)

PACER
14 Aug. 2, 2007

ORDER granting 13 Motion for Authority to Sell School Property . Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/01/07. (crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 08/03/2007)

PACER
15 Aug. 8, 2007

MOTION to Approve the Construction of a Gymnasium at Marksville Elementary School &Classroom Building at Avoyelles High School by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 08/13/2007)

PACER
17 Aug. 14, 2007

ORDER re 15 MOTION to Approve the Construction of a Gymnasium at Marksville Elementary School &Classroom Building at Avoyelles High School filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 8/14/07. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/16/2007)

PACER
16 Aug. 15, 2007

RESPONSE to 15 MOTION to Approve the Construction of a Gymnasium at Marksville Elementary School &Classroom Building at Avoyelles High School filed by USA. (aty,Taylor, Lisa) Modified on 8/16/2007 to edit text(Williams, L). (Entered: 08/15/2007)

PACER
18 Aug. 30, 2007

MOTION for Telephone Conference to Discuss Objection filed by Plaintiff re 16 Response to Motion by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 08/30/2007)

PACER
19 Sept. 4, 2007

MOTION for Final Approval for the Sale of School Property by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 09/04/2007)

PACER
20 Sept. 4, 2007

ORDER terminating 18 Motion for Telephone Conference w/notation thereon, "Not Considered−Conference Already Held". Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on September 4, 2007. (crt,Dean, S) (Entered: 09/04/2007)

PACER
21 Sept. 5, 2007

MINUTE ENTRY: re 16 Response to Motion filed by USA. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 09/05/07. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 09/06/2007)

PACER
22 Sept. 6, 2007

ORDER granting 19 Motion for Final Approval for the Sale of School Property at the old Marksville Middle School site to the City of Marksville. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 09/05/07. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 09/06/2007)

PACER
23 Sept. 6, 2007

MOTION to Approve Projects by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits; # 2 Proposed Order)(crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 09/06/2007)

PACER
24 Sept. 7, 2007

DEFICIENT MOTION to Supplement 23 MOTION to Approve Projects by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Alexander, E) Modified on 10/16/2007 to remove question mark for deficiency (Dunford, T). (Entered: 09/07/2007)

PACER
25 Sept. 7, 2007

NOTICE of Deficiency to Charles A Riddle, III on behalf of School Board of Avoyelles Parish regarding 24 DEFICIENT? MOTION to Supplement 23 MOTION to Approve Projects. Reason: You do not indicate whether opposing counsel consent to the granting of this ex parte motion. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 09/07/2007)

PACER
26 Sept. 10, 2007

ORDER re 23 MOTION to Approve Projects filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 09/10/07. (crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 09/10/2007)

PACER
27 Sept. 28, 2007

RESPONSE to Motion re 23 MOTION to Approve Projects filed by USA. (aty,Taylor, Lisa) (Entered: 09/28/2007)

PACER
28 Oct. 5, 2007

MOTION for Final Approval of Projects by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(crt,Williams, L) (Entered: 10/05/2007)

PACER
30 April 18, 2008

MINUTE ENTRY setting a Status Conference for 5/2/2008 10:00 AM before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/18/08. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 04/18/2008)

PACER
31 April 23, 2008

MOTION to Approve Leasing Gymnasium at the Former Hessmer School by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified on 4/25/2008 to change motion event and to reflect Proposed Order included within pdf of Main Document(Williams, L). (Entered: 04/23/2008)

PACER
32 April 23, 2008

MOTION to Approve Moving APAS from Hessmer Campus to Mansura Sixth Grade Center by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified on 4/25/2008 to change motion event and to reflect that Proposed Order included within pdf of Main Document(Williams, L). (Entered: 04/23/2008)

PACER
33 April 24, 2008

MOTION to Approve the Leasing of Hessmer Facility to Avoyelles Community College Inc by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified on 4/25/2008 to change motion event and to reflect that Proposed Order is included within pdf of Main Document(Williams, L). (Entered: 04/24/2008)

PACER
34 April 25, 2008

MINUTE ENTRY: District Judge Status Conference set for 5/2/2008 is changed to 10:30 AM before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/25/08. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 04/25/2008)

PACER
35 May 2, 2008

MINUTE ENTRY: District Judge Telephone Status Conference set for 5/12/2008 02:30 PM before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 05/02/08. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 05/02/2008)

PACER
37 May 12, 2008

ORDER granting 32 Motion to be allowed to move APAS from the Hessmer location to the vacant Mansura Sixth Grade Center. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/28/08. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/12/2008)

PACER
38 May 12, 2008

ORDER granting 33 Motion to be allowed to lease the former Hessmer school to Warren J Plauche M D for the operation of a community college. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/28/08. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/12/2008)

PACER
39 May 12, 2008

ORDER granting 31 Motion to be allowed to lease the gymnasium at the former Hessmer School to Rev Floyd Murray for recreational purposes and youth activities. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/28/08. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/12/2008)

PACER
40 May 12, 2008

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Telephone Conference held on 5/12/2008. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/14/2008)

PACER
41 Aug. 21, 2008

MOTION to Approve the Demolition of the Former Hessmer School by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate, # 2 Order)(aty,Roy, Cory) Modified on 8/21/2008 to more accurately reflect name of document(Williams, L). (Entered: 08/21/2008)

PACER
42 Sept. 23, 2008

MOTION to Approve a Majority to Minority Plan for the Avoyelles Parish School Board by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service, # 2 Certificate, # 3 Text of proposed order, # 4 Exhibits Exhibit A)(aty,Roy, Cory) Modified on 9/24/2008 to more accurately reflect name of document(Williams, L). (Entered: 09/23/2008)

PACER
43 Sept. 24, 2008

ORDER granting 42 Motion to adopt transfer policy. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 09/24/08. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 09/24/2008)

PACER
44 Oct. 2, 2008

ORDER re 41 MOTION to Approve the Demolition of the Former Hessmer School filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. DENIED in this form. May be re−submitted. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 10/02/08. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 10/02/2008)

PACER
45 Oct. 15, 2008

PROPOSED ORDER/JUDGMENT by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Roy, Cory) (Entered: 10/15/2008)

PACER
47 April 6, 2009

MOTION to approve A Majority to Minority Plan with consent by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Text of proposed order, # 2 Certificate of good standing, # 3 Exhibits)(aty,Roy, Cory) Modified on 4/7/2009 to indicate consent (Williams, L). (Entered: 04/06/2009)

PACER
48 April 8, 2009

ORDER granting 47 Motion to adopt a transfer policy. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/08/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 04/08/2009)

Clearinghouse
49 April 20, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY setting an in−person Status Conference for 5/12/2009 09:30 AM in Chambers before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/20/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 04/20/2009)

PACER
April 20, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Telephone Conference held on 4/20/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 04/20/2009)

PACER
50 April 23, 2009

MOTION to Approve Plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Order, # 2 Certificate, # 3 Notice of manual attachment)(aty,Roy, Cory) Modified text on 4/29/2009. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 04/23/2009)

PACER
51 April 23, 2009

MANUAL ATTACHMENT RECEIVED AND SCANNED. Received from Cory P Roy on behalf of School Board of Avoyelles Parish regarding 50 MOTION to Approve Plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 04/29/2009)

PACER
52 April 29, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY: re 49 Minute Entry: The in−person status conference on 5/12/09 is NOT a public hearing. Being preliminary to allow the Court to determine the nature and status of the case, attendance is limited to the parties, their counsel and experts if any. In the case of the School Board, the Superintendent is the Board's designated representative for this conference. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/29/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 04/29/2009)

PACER
53 April 30, 2009

ORDER denying 50 Motion for status conference. Unnecessary − see docs #49 and 52. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 04/30/09. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 04/30/2009)

PACER
54 May 8, 2009

RESPONSE to Motion re 50 MOTION to Approve Plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board filed by USA. (aty,Taylor, Lisa) (Entered: 05/08/2009)

PACER
May 12, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Status Conference held on 5/12/2009 to discuss nature and status of case. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/13/2009)

PACER
55 May 13, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY Setting a hearing on 50 Motion to Approve plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board for 5/22/2009 10:00 AM in Alexandria, 2nd floor before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 05/12/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/13/2009)

PACER
56 May 22, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Motion hearing held on 5/22/2009 re 50 Motion to Approve Plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Court Reporter: Mary Thompson) (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/26/2009)

PACER
57 May 26, 2009

EXHIBITS ADMITTED DURING MOTION HEARING OF MAY 22, 20009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 05/26/2009)

PACER
58 May 28, 2009

RULING re 50 Motion to Approve Plan of Expert for the Avoyelles Parish School Board filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 05/27/2009. (crt,Leleux, M)

1 Searchable Copy of Opinion

View on PACER

RECAP
59 June 9, 2009

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings filed for Motion Hearing held on May 21, 2009 before Judge Drell. Court Reporter/Transcriber Mary Thompson, Telephone number 337.593.5222. Pages: 1−212 Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER.. Redaction Request due 6/30/2009. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/10/2009. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/8/2009. (crt,Thompson, M) (Entered: 06/09/2009)

PACER
July 27, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Telephone Conference held on 7/27/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 07/28/2009)

PACER
60 Aug. 1, 2009

PROPOSED ORDER/JUDGMENT Order by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Riddle, Charles) (Entered: 08/01/2009)

PACER
61 Aug. 4, 2009

ORDER re 58 Memorandum Ruling of 5/27/09. ORDERED the students at LA School for the Agricultural Sciences will be allowed to participate in all extra curricular activity programs of the sending schools. ORDERED the students enrolled at this school be allowed to participate in all athletic competition programs sanctioned by the LA High School Athletic Assn of the sending schools and ORDERED the Avoyelles Parish School Board shall provide transportation to the students participating in extra curricular activities in the same fashion as it would for students of the sending schools. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/03/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 08/04/2009)

PACER
62 Aug. 19, 2009

MOTION by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Order, # 2 Certificate)(aty,Riddle, Charles) (Entered: 08/19/2009)

PACER
63 Aug. 26, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY: Counsel for the Government shall initiate a telephone conference to begin at 2:00 p.m. on August 27, 2009. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/26/09. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 08/26/2009)

PACER
Aug. 27, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Telephone Conference held on 8/27/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 08/28/2009)

PACER
64 Aug. 28, 2009

(RESCINDED) ORDER granting 62 Motion. ORDERED the Avoyelles parish School Board is prohibited from allowing students to leave Bunkie High School as a school of choice. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/27/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) Modified on 8/23/2010to reflect Order is rescinded. See 97 Order on Motion. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/28/2009)

PACER
65 Aug. 28, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY setting a Telephone Conference for 9/25/2009 10:00 AM in by phone before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/28/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 08/28/2009)

PACER
66 Sept. 25, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Telephone Conference held on 9/25/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 10/02/2009)

PACER
67 Oct. 2, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY: Pursuant to the telephone conference held on 09/25/09, an in−person status conference is fixed for November 18, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in Alexandria, LA. Pending issues will be discussed. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 10/01/09. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 10/02/2009)

PACER
68 Oct. 30, 2009

MOTION for Approval of Expenditure of Funds by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Certificate, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B)(aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified on 10/30/2009 to edit text (Reasor, M). (Entered: 10/30/2009)

PACER
69 Nov. 2, 2009

ORDER re 68 Motion filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. The parties are given until 11/18/09 to consent or oppose the expenditures as outlined in the motion. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 11/02/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 11/02/2009)

PACER
70 Nov. 17, 2009

RESPONSE to Motion re 68 MOTION filed by USA. (aty,Taylor, Lisa) (Entered: 11/17/2009)

PACER
71 Nov. 18, 2009

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Status Conference held on 11/18/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 11/19/2009)

PACER
72 Nov. 25, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY: Mr. Riddle shall initiate a TELEPHONE CONFERENCE to begin at 2:00 p.m. on November 30, 2009. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 11/24/09. (crt,Harrison, U) (Entered: 11/25/2009)

PACER
74 Dec. 1, 2009

MINUTE ENTRY: An in−person Status Conference is set for 1/27/2010 10:00 AM in Alexandria before Judge Dee D Drell. All school board members must attend. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 11/30/2009. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 12/01/2009)

PACER
75 Dec. 21, 2009

RULING AND ORDER granting 68 Motion Approval for Expenditure of Funds. The Court has formulated a simple chart of the agreed and contested expenditures based upon the representations made to us by all parties following their negotiations. Because t ime is of the essence and there is good reason to approve the allocations as submitted (except as to the original proposal regarding LaSAS), the Court ORDERS that allocations of funding are hereby approved in the amounts listed herein. Moreover, the parties should be prepared to discuss specifically alternatives to address the issue of all remaining racially identifiable schools at the upcoming status conference set on January 27, 2010 at 10:00 A.M.. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 12/21/09. (crt,Harrison, U)

1 Searchable Copy of Opinion

View on PACER

RECAP
76 Jan. 27, 2010

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Status Conference held on 1/27/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 01/27/2010)

PACER
77 Jan. 27, 2010

RESPONSE in Opposition by Allen Holmes re 71 Status Conference addressing the desegregation of the Avoyelles Parish School District, requesting Dr Gordon examine the position of High School Dean. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits)(crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 01/27/2010)

PACER
78 Jan. 27, 2010

PROPOSED ORDER/JUDGMENT by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified to more accurately identify pleading is not a motion on 1/28/2010. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 01/27/2010)

PACER
Jan. 27, 2010

NOTICE of Corrective Action to Charles A Riddle on behalf of School Board of Avoyelles Parish regarding 78 PROPOSED ORDER/JUDGMENT. Action taken: Modified text of entry to reflect pleading filed is not a motion. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 01/28/2010)

PACER
79 Jan. 28, 2010

MINUTE ENTRY: An in−person Status Conference is set for 5/27/2010 09:30 AM in Alexandria 2nd floor before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 01/27/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 01/28/2010)

PACER
80 Jan. 29, 2010

ORDER in reference to issues discussed at the 1/27/10 status conference. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 01/29/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 01/29/2010)

PACER
81 Feb. 4, 2010

MINUTE ENTRY: Secondary to conflicts with the Court's criminal docket, the in person Status Conference is RESCHEDULED for 6/4/2010 10:00 AM in Alexandria, 2nd floor before Judge Dee D Drell. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 02/04/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 02/04/2010)

PACER
82 April 30, 2010

MOTION to Approve Spending Procedure by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed District Spending Resolution, # 2 Proposed Procedure for Spending, # 3 Proposed Spending Proposal, # 4 Proposed Order)(aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified on 4/30/2010 to reflect submission is deficient. (Alexander, E) Added MOTION for Hearing on 4/30/2010. (Alexander, E) Modified on 5/3/2010 to remove deficiency status. See 84 Corrective Document. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 04/30/2010)

PACER
83 April 30, 2010

NOTICE of Deficiency to Charles A Riddle on behalf of School Board of Avoyelles Parish regarding 82 DEFICIENT ? MOTION to Approve Spending Procedure MOTION for Hearing. Reason: This document is not accompanied by a certificate of service as required by Fed.R.Civ.P. 5(d). (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 04/30/2010)

PACER
84 April 30, 2010

CORRECTIVE DOCUMENT entitled Certificate of Service filed by School Board of Avoyelles Parish re 82 MOTION to Approve Spending Procedure MOTION for Hearing. (aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified to more accurately identify pleading on 5/3/2010. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 04/30/2010)

PACER
86 June 4, 2010

MINUTES for proceedings held before Judge Dee D Drell: Status Conference and Motion Hearing held on 6/4/2010 re 82 Motion to Approve Spending Procedure.(Court Reporter: Myra Primeaux) (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 06/04/2010)

PACER
87 June 4, 2010

EXHIBIT LIST of exhibits admitted during motion hearing on 6/4/10.(crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 06/04/2010)

PACER
88 June 21, 2010

ORDER: An in−person Status Conference is set for 1/7/2011 01:00 PM in Alexandria 2nd floor before Judge Dee D Drell. No less than 30 days prior to this date APSB will make a full presentation to the Court regarding its past efforts and future plans to achieve compliance with the mandates of Singleton. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 06/21/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

PACER
89 June 21, 2010

RULING AND ORDER granting in part and denying in part 82 Motion to Approve Policy, Expend Funds and Request for Order. ORDERED ALSO that all new capital expenditures not provided for in the Board's previously adopted budget are hereby frozen until the Board Member Screening Committee is formed and made fully operational. The Court expects a written report on progress in this regard by 8/1/2010. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 06/21/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 06/21/2010)

PACER
90 Aug. 2, 2010

MOTION for Miscellaneous Relief by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified text and to reflect Proposed Order filed within pdf of Main Document on 8/2/2010. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/02/2010)

PACER
91 Aug. 3, 2010

ORDER re 90 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief. The USA is ordered to file its objection, if any, before 8/15/2010 to any of the expenditures listed in Exhibit A. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 8/3/2010. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/03/2010)

PACER
92 Aug. 3, 2010

MOTION to Rescind Previous Order by School Board of Avoyelles Parish. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(aty,Riddle, Charles) Modified text on 8/4/2010. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/03/2010)

PACER
Aug. 3, 2010

Set Deadlines: Compliance Deadline set for 8/15/2010. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/03/2010)

PACER
93 Aug. 4, 2010

NOTICE of Motion Setting without oral argument regarding 92 MOTION to Rescind Previous Order. Motion day set for 9/17/2010 before Judge Dee D Drell. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/04/2010)

PACER
94 Aug. 11, 2010

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 90 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief with consent sought but not obtained by USA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of proposed order)(aty,Taylor, Lisa) Modified document linkage on 8/12/2010. (Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/11/2010)

PACER
95 Aug. 12, 2010

ORDER granting 94 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response re 90 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief. Response due by 8/20/2010. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 08/11/2010. (crt,Leleux, M) (Entered: 08/12/2010)

PACER
96 Aug. 20, 2010

RESPONSE to Motion re 90 MOTION for Miscellaneous Relief filed by USA. (aty,Taylor, Lisa) (Entered: 08/20/2010)

PACER
97 Aug. 23, 2010

ORDER granting 92 Motion to Rescind Previous Order. Signed by Judge Dee D Drell on 8/23/2010. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 08/23/2010)

PACER
98 Sept. 2, 2010

NOTICE of Motion Setting without oral argument regarding 90 MOTION for Miscellaneous Relief. Motion day set for 10/15/2010 before Judge Dee D Drell. (crt,Alexander, E) (Entered: 09/02/2010)

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory:

Louisiana

Case Type(s):

School Desegregation

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 2, 1967

Closing Date: Oct. 17, 2018

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The United States and, later, private plaintiff intervenor

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

School District

Avoyelles Parish (Avoyelles Parish School Board )

State

Avoyelles Parish (Avoyelles Parish School Board )

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Title IV, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000c et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Other Dockets:

Western District of Louisiana 1:65-cv-12721

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 23-30029

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory Judgment

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Busing

Discrimination Prohibition

Preliminary relief granted

Recordkeeping

Reporting

Student assignment

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

School/University Facilities

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Recommended Citation