1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

The Justice Department's decision to end a decades-old school desegregation order in Louisiana is deeply concerning. Lifting such orders risks undoing hard-won progress towards racial integration and equal educational opportunities. These legal agreements were put in place for valid reasons – to dismantle discriminatory systems and remedy long-standing segregation in schools. Simply declaring the issues resolved does not make it so. Segregation still persists in many school districts, both in terms of the racial makeup of schools and disparities in resources and opportunities provided to students of color. Research shows that when released from desegregation orders, many districts have seen a resurgence of racial segregation. This is unacceptable. We must remain vigilant against backsliding on civil rights and continue working to create truly integrated, equitable school systems. I urge you to speak out against ending enforcement of desegregation orders without clear evidence that racism and discrimination have been fully addressed. These legally binding agreements are vital tools for protecting the rights of students and ensuring all children have access to quality, integrated education. Dismantling them would represent a disregard for the principles of equal opportunity and the rule of law. We cannot allow such alarming steps backward on civil rights.