For more than 60 years, federal desegregation orders have helped hold Louisiana school districts accountable to the promise of equal education. But now, state officials—including Attorney General Liz Murrill and Gov. Jeff Landry—are pushing to end that oversight in St. Mary Parish, even though glaring racial disparities still persist.

We cannot allow these protections to be lifted just because time has passed. Black students in St. Mary Parish are still more likely to attend underfunded schools, face harsher discipline, and be passed over for gifted programs. Some majority Black schools report moldy ceilings, broken toilets, and too few certified teachers, while majority white schools often have more resources and advanced courses. That’s not equality—and it's not acceptable.

Supporters of ending the orders say today’s problems aren’t tied to past segregation, but that’s not what the courts or the law say. School boards must prove they’ve eliminated the effects of discrimination before federal oversight ends. That hasn’t happened yet in St. Mary or many other parishes.

This isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about ensuring fairness. When school districts are monitored, they have an incentive to improve for all students. Without oversight, that pressure disappears, and so do many of the gains we’ve fought for.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, we all want the same thing: schools that give every child a fair shot. That means equal access to safe buildings, great teachers, and advanced learning opportunities. And it means holding leaders accountable until that standard is met.

We call on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Louisiana officials to uphold federal desegregation oversight in St. Mary Parish and across the state. Don’t erase these protections before the job is done.

Sign if you believe racial equity in education isn’t optional—it’s a legal and moral obligation.