Louisiana House Bill HCR200

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/12
• Engrossed: 6/4/12
• Passed: 6/4/12

Caption

Requests the Monroe City School Board and Ouachita Parish School Board to take certain actions to facilitate achieving unitary status

Impact

The principal impact of HCR200 lies in its request for the school boards to redraw school attendance zone districts. This move aims to ensure that schools are not segregated by race or class, promoting educational equity across the districts. The resolution also addresses ongoing challenges posed by the existence of charter schools and the state's voucher program, which could complicate efforts to achieve unitary status. The request also includes a directive to cease the issuance of new charters and to refrain from participating in the voucher program until federal courts confirm unitary status.

Summary

HCR200 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced by Representative Hunter, urging the Ouachita Parish School Board and Monroe City School Board to take actions to achieve unitary status for their respective school districts. The resolution emphasizes that a racially segregated school system is detrimental to the education of all students, referencing the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which deemed separate educational facilities to be inherently unequal. The resolution calls for unified efforts to provide high-quality education regardless of racial or socioeconomic backgrounds.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the resolution largely supports the goal of achieving educational equity and dismantling segregation within schools. However, discussions may evoke concerns regarding the implications of halting charter schools and voucher programs, which some stakeholders may view as vital educational options. The urgency to redraw school attendance zones suggests a proactive approach to addressing systemic inequalities, aligning with broader educational reforms aimed at fostering inclusive and integrated learning environments.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the requested cessation of charters and participation in the voucher system. Proponents of HCR200 argue that these measures are essential to achieving a unified school system and addressing the structural inequities that persist in the current educational landscape. Critics, however, may challenge the resolution's approach by arguing that halting charter schools and vouchers could limit educational choices for families, potentially leading to further complications in the path to unitary status.