United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Alexander v. Holmes County Bd. of Ed., 396 U.S. 19 (1969)

Alexander v. Holmes County Board of Education

No. 632

Argued October 23, 1969

Decided October 29, 1969

396 U.S. 19

Syllabus

Continued operation of racially segregated schools under the standard of "all deliberate speed" is no longer constitutionally permissible. School districts must immediately terminate dual school systems based on race and operate only unitary school systems. The Court of Appeals' order of August 28, 1969, delaying that court's earlier mandate for desegregation in certain Mississippi school districts is therefore vacated, and that court is directed to enter an order, effective immediately, that the schools in those districts be operated on a unitary basis. While the schools are being thus operated, the District Court may consider any amendments of the order which may be proposed, but such amendments may become effective only with the Court of Appeals' approval.

Vacated and remanded.

Page 396 U. S. 20