His 30-Year Mission
In its 1992 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Mississippi's predominantly Black institutions were inferior because they were under-funded and it called for an end to the dual system in that state, but plaintiffs disputed the steps mandated to do so. While remedies were ordered, a district court settlement did not come until February 2002, after the Mississippi Legislature pledged to fulfill its requirements.
Chambliss and other opponents, who included Ayers' widow, believe the settlement does not address key Title VI deficiencies such as governance mission and the establishment of unique graduate and professional programs that the historically Black colleges need to remain relevant. They also said that nearly half of the settlement's proceeds go to support White scholarships at Black schools. He believes that it does not craft an effective remedy for public Black colleges that will propel them into being research universities, which would attract all students.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans denied their appeal in January, after a district court upheld the $503 million settlement earlier. In May, Chambliss filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to issue a ruling sometime this month (see Black Issues, Feb. 26).
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