NCJ Number
93445
Date Published
1971
Length
58 pages
Annotation
The Community Relations Service (CRS) of the United States Department of Justice provides assistance toward helping school districts and communities resolve problems arising during the transition from dual, segregated school systems to unitary, desegregated school systems.
Abstract
CRS, created by Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, is not an enforcement agency and does not engage in litigation. Thus, it plays a unique role in local communities by identifying resources, providing information and technical assistance, and coordinating the activities of groups or individuals seeking to eliminate the causes of racial discrimination and to bring about meaningful race relations. In crisis situations, the agency mediates racial disputes in communities. The project to aid school desegregation efforts began in mid-August, 1970. CRS has conducted activities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Specific activities between August 15, 1970, and February 15, 1971, included establishing rumor control centers within schools, promoting student biracial committees within schools, functioning as intermediaries between black communities and school officials in settling racial disputes, and helping school administrators establish student grievance procedures. Data tables, case narratives, and appendixes listing the counties and districts involved in the program and giving related information are supplied.