Filed Date: May 15, 2008
Closed Date: 2008
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On September 10, 1969, the United States filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against the Tatum County Independent School District. The U.S. sued under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The U.S. sought to fully desegregate the Tatum Independent School District which operated two campuses, Tatum (grades 1-12) and the virtually all-black Mayflower campus (grades 1-5).
On September 13, 1969 the Court determined that the "freedom of choice" plan under which the school district operated was ineffective and issued a preliminary injunction requiring that class assignments be made on a non-racial basis. The District fully desegregated its school and maintained a desegregated system while undergoing demographic changes. By the 2006-2007 school year, 26% of students enrolled in the district were African-American, 52% were while and 21% were Hispanic. There was no evidence of discrimination in facilities, transportation or extra-curricular activities.
On May 19, 2008, based on the data provided by the school district and surrounding evidence, the Court concluded that the Tatum County Independent School District had met the legal standards for desegregation and dismissed the action.
Summary Authors
Maria Ricaurte (10/3/2015)
Davis, Leonard E. (Texas)
Becker, Grace Chung (District of Columbia)
Glassman, Jeremiah (District of Columbia)
Hartt, Dee W. (Texas)
Davis, Leonard E. (Texas)
Last updated March 18, 2024, 3:10 a.m.
State / Territory: Texas
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: May 15, 2008
Closing Date: 2008
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
United States Government
Plaintiff Type(s):
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
Tatum County Independent School District (Tatum), School District
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Defendant
Source of Relief:
Form of Settlement:
Order Duration: 2008 - 2008
Content of Injunction:
Issues
General:
Discrimination-basis: