No Child Left Behind Conflicts with Desegregation Policy in Louisiana

“Dear Parent or Guardian,” the letter begins. “In accordance with Louisiana’s Public School Choice Policy, we are required to inform you that your child is enrolled a public school that is projected to receive a grade of ‘F.’”

This was the note sent home to parents at Rayville Elementary School in Louisiana last week.  Like many schools since No Child Left Behind was enacted, failing schools are required to allow its students to transfer to a better school in the district.

Parents were given the choice between two other schools, one with a B rating, one with a C minus. Further down the letter read: "Please note that white students at Rayville Elementary School will not be allowed to transfer to the listed schools due to the present provisions issued in the federal Richland Parish School desegregation case.”

Kevin Epinette is the president of the school board in Richland Parish, and Wendy Scott is a law professor at North Carolina Central University.