Case: United States of America v. Tatum Independence School District

6:08-cv-00192 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Filed Date: May 15, 2008

Closed Date: 2008

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

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 un…

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)

People


Judge(s)

Davis, Leonard E. (Texas)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Becker, Grace Chung (District of Columbia)

Glassman, Jeremiah (District of Columbia)

Hartt, Dee W. (Texas)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

6:08-cv-00192

Docket

United States v. Tatum Independent School District

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008

Docket
3

6:08-cv-00192

Agreed Order of Dismissal

May 19, 2008

May 19, 2008

Order/Opinion

Docket

Last updated March 18, 2024, 3:10 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
2

Docket sheet in original case 6:69cv5044 (now in archives); given new number and reassigned for government filing. Refer to docket sheet for all documents prior to 5/15/2008. (mjc ) (Entered: 05/15/2008)

May 15, 2008

May 15, 2008

3

ORDER granting 1 Motion to Dismiss and dismissing case with prejudice. All prior injunctions in this case are dissolved and jurisdiction is terminated. The Court concludes that Tatum ISD has met the legal standards for a declaration of unitary status and is entitled to dismissal of this action. Signed by Judge Judge Leonard Davis on 5/19/08. (mjc ) (Entered: 05/19/2008)

May 19, 2008

May 19, 2008

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

School Desegregation

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):

Elementary/Secondary School

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Non-settlement Outcome

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Source of Relief:

None

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Order Duration: 2008 - 2008

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General:

Racial segregation

School/University policies

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination