Share
Email
PrintJewish groups blast Supremes on busing
Jewish groups lamented a Supreme Court decision that upheld a challenge to busing as a means to school integration. The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League had filed friend of the court briefs against efforts to end programs in Seattle and Louisville, Ky. to end de facto segregation in areas where schools are situated in overwhelmingly white or black districts. On Thursday, the court upheld the challenges. “Today’s Supreme Court decision has the potential to undermine decades of work by AJC and others to achieve racial equality and diversity in American society,” said Jeffrey Sinensky, AJC’s general counsel. Both groups, as well as the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, noted the moderating role played by Justice Anthony Kennedy, whose vote was critical in the 5-4 decision. While he voted with the majority, Kennedy upheld the principle of promoting racial diversity, thereby preventing the ruling from turning into a sweeping ban on desegregation. The ADL called it “troubling” that four judges “filed an opinion that rejects the fundamental concept that the government has a compelling interest in promoting racial diversity.”
Click to login and write a letter to the editor or sign up for the Daily Briefing.
This article was made possible by the support of readers like you. Donate to JTA now.
Featured Content
Need to know? Get JTA's free e-newsletters!
- Citing Palestinian conflict, rocker Cat Power cancels Tel Aviv show
- Jewish groups praise Obama contraceptives compromise
- Holder: U.S. urged Israel not to release killers of Americans
- Turkish FM: We will never endorse striking Iran
- Israeli missile defense test a ‘milestone’
- Sarkozy: Iran solution should be non-military
- Marines’ SS photo condemned by Jewish groups
- Grandson of Auschwitz survivor takes the ice for Germany
