Roanoke schools released from federal court supervision
Roanoke City Schools Superintendent Chuck Marcum received the welcome news Monday afternoon. U.S. Federal Judge Myron Thompson has granted the system unitary status.
That means for the first time since the 1970s the school system is released from supervision by the federal courts.
Most of those opposed to the granting of unitary status, and termination of litigation that began in 1963 in Macon County to end school segregation, testified in an Opelika courtroom March 14 that they were pleased with the efforts of Marcum and the present school board.
However, some said the system had not been doing things right long enough to know if it would continue to work to eradicate racial discrimination.
Apparently Thompson trusted those now in charge enough to give them what they had asked for.
“We’re glad. We understand, as I said down there, we’re not perfect. We still have work to be done,” Marcum said.
He was quick to emphasize, “This is not a win-lose situation. It is all about cooperation and greater communication for the good of the system.”
Birmingham attorney Donald B. Sweeney Jr., Roanoke’s attorney who worked long and hard on this case, said: “The declaration of unitary status issued by United States District Judge Myron Thompson validates the hard work and good faith efforts of all involved. The result is from a monumental undertaking by the Roanoke City Board of Education, its Superintendent Chuck Marcum, administrative staff and faculty to comply with all the procedures and documents required by the court. It also reflects the enormous goodwill and cooperation of the African-American community, the leaders, parents and students.”
Community activist Cotina W. Terry commented, “The declaration of unitary status for Roanoke City Schools can be deemed a victory for both sides. We have worked diligently over the years to bring to the forefront the issues of concern and to eliminate the discriminatory practices of the Roanoke City Schools.”
Terry, who opposed the granting of the status but complimented the board and board of education, said: “I look forward to us continuing to work together for the good of all students. It is my sincere desire that Roanoke City Schools will move forward and will not return to any of its past practices. This can be achieved if an open dialogue remains with the administration and school board and if the persons who serve in these various capacities uphold the policies that have been put in place as well as looking to do things in a fair and consistent manner. It should be noted that I will continue to work diligently with the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and the Community Relations Services Group to ensure a level playing field for all students, teachers and citizens.”
“We’re going to treat students, faculty and staff in a fair and equitable manner,” Marcum said stressing his commitment to treat students “firm, fair and consistently.”
“The declaration of unitary status is based on what has happened: the court’s determination that the Roanoke City Board of Education has removed all vestiges of prior desegregation. But it is also based on the court’s determination that the Roanoke City Board of Education has pledged and resolved to operate its system in the future free of any discrimination,” Sweeney said.
“All that said, this is a monumental day of goodwill for the city of Roanoke, Alabama,” he said.
“One thing this will help is the tremendous amount of legal expenses. We have spent a considerable amount of money in legal expenses over the years,” Marcum said.
Another aspect “is the tremendous amount of time and energy that went into preparing reports that can now be used for the winners, the students. This change will free up time and money to allow the system to do things it has not been able to do in the past,” Marcum said.
Unitary status took effect Monday.
Thompson said the Roanoke City Board of Education has fully and satisfactorily complied with the orders of the court. He said, “The vestiges of the prior de jure segregated school system have been eliminated to the extent practicable.”
They have demonstrated commitment to the operation of a school system in compliance with the Constitution, he said.
“By its actions today, the court recognizes and congratulates the sustained efforts of the parties,” Thompson said, but those governing the school system “must be aware that the door through which they leave the courthouse is not locked behind them. They will undoubtedly find that this is so if they fail to maintain the unitary system (the court) concludes exists today.”
He then noted control of the school system is returned to Roanoke’s board of education and superintendent as of April 23.
In a brief history, Roanoke was one of 35 school boards involved in the litigation when all were transferred to a single district judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Aug. 31, 1970, the school board was ordered to implement a desegregation plan for the next school year. In February of 1994 Roanoke was ordered to fully implement student attendance and residency verification requirements. Feb. 12, 1997 the court for the Middle District said the parties should move toward “unitary status” and for termination of the litigation, noting local control of school systems is best. An intensive process was mounted where the plaintiffs identified where satisfactory compliance had been attained and areas where the further attention was needed, according to the opinion issued by Thompson.
June 15, 1998 the court approved a consent decree detailing where the district was partially unitary and those areas where further remedial action was necessary. The school was required to file a comprehensive report annually with the court. Concerns of the plaintiff parties were discussed at numerous status conferences. Alternative dispute resolution helped address continuing issues between the community and the district that affected resolution of the case, the opinion noted.
