Huntsville City Schools files for partial unitary status in federal desegregation case

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville City Schools is taking another critical step forward in its journey toward full release from long-standing federal court supervision by filing an unopposed motion for partial unitary status in the areas of extracurricular activities, facilities, and faculty and staff, the school system announced today.

In a response filed today, the DOJ said: “The District has met its desegregation obligations with respect to faculty and staff, extracurricular activities, and facilities and does not oppose the district’s motion for a declaration of partial unitary status and release from federal supervision in these areas.”

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Northeastern Division, approved a Consent Order on April 24, 2015 in the school desegregation case that provides Huntsville City Schools a pathway for providing equitable educational opportunities to all of its students, regardless of race, and to reach “Unitary Status.”

If the court grants the motions, the school system will have achieved partial unitary status in four of the seven Green factors required for full release from federal oversight.

The three remaining areas include: Equitable Access to Course Offerings and Programs, Student Discipline, and Student Assignment.

“This is a proud and affirming moment for Huntsville City Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton. “This acknowledgment of our progress speaks volumes about our district’s commitment to student success.”

The motions follow a deliberate process, including review, data analysis, and public engagement, the system’s release said. The school system held community meetings over the past two years, including sessions with local advocacy groups and opportunities for public comment through the district’s website.

In their filing, school system attorneys said federal oversight is no longer necessary in the three requested areas because the district has eliminated the vestiges of past segregation and demonstrated a good-faith commitment to the principles of the original consent order.

The district now awaits a decision from the federal court.