Public Schools;

Public Schools;

The General Assembly* convening this week in Richmond, must come up with an answer to the Federal Court’s ~ stand on public school integration. ' • ( *

It is senseless at this date to argue that the Federal Courts lack constitutional grounds for their action, orAthat they have illegally assumed the right to pass laws. Congress will not check the Courts and the President is willing\ to back them, even -to the extent of using troops.

There seems to be but one solution to the problem. The people must decide by vote whether a majority prefers mandatory integrated schools, or prefers the right to close all schools in a given area rather than have one integrated. To effect this choice, we must first amend our State constitution to permit closing public schools Should the people wish it. g

Once this is accomplished, the big issue will be how much of a territory should constitute a deciding entity. Should the decision be state-wide, or county-wide? We " think it should be a county matter. There are some counties that would prefer integrated schools. Let them integrate. There are some counties that would prefer to close schools. Let them close schools.

The contribution of state funds to the counties should be continued as a tax equalization measure. However, these contributions would have to be made to the general fund of a county and not allocated for school purposes. Thus pay7 paent could not be stopped by Federal Court order, and a county would not be punished financially for closing its schools.

Finally, to permit a change of opinion to be felt, the question of segregated or integrated schools should be resubmitted to the people of each county for a referendum at regular intervals, a year or two apart. • J We feel that given a proportionately equal financial states, each county will find for itself the pathway best suited, for itself.

^ B.C.B. Jr.

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