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Following a 34-year-old federal desegregation order against the Simpson County School system, a decision was made by U. S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr granting Unitary Status to the school system.
The district says it deserves to gain “unitary status,” which means federal court scrutiny is lifted after years of legal supervision in all aspects of school district activities.
The case was argued by Jackson Attorney, John Hooks representing the school system and Suzanne G. Keys representing the plaintiff.
The Plaintiff-Appellee was Cynthia Fletcher, a minor, by Rev. Artis Flether, as next friend, and Gloria Jean Barnes and David Barness, minors, by Rev. Theotis Smith, as next friend suiting in their own behalf and on behalf of all other similar situated
The Defendant was the Simpson County School District
Attorneys argued Tuesday about whether the Simpson County School District should be released from a 34-year-old federal desegregation order.
Before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour Jr., counsel Suzanne G. Keys questioned the district’s human resources director, Elizabeth Christian, about whether court-mandated policies were followed in filling numerous job vacancies since the court’s 2014 hearing on similar issues.
Unsuccessful job applicant Habray Carter of Drew, who is black and had been top-rated for a coach-teacher position, testified he had never met two of three school district individuals who were said to have interviewed him for the position.
Jackson attorney John Hooks, representing the district, raised numerous objections to Keys’ questions. Barbour at one stage told her, “You’re going about this thing backwards.”
The motion of Simpson County School District for Unitary Status was granted September 30, 2016 by Judge William H. Barbour, Jr.
(Limited information is available at this time). This is a victory for all the students of Simpson County schools.
This link https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/14/14-60542-CV0.pdf
Gives information concerning the suit.
