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Desegregation order overturned

Louisville, Ky. - A federal judge lifted a 25-year-old desegregation order for Louisville schools last week, saying the vestiges of the racially separate system are all but gone. A group of black parents had sued in hopes of getting their children into Central High School - once Louisville's only public high school for black students. A 1975 federal court order to achieve racial balance in the schools had blocked some black children from attending Central's Magnet Career Academy.

U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II ruled that the school board's use of racial quotas violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Heyburn said the case marks the first time blacks have challenged a desegregation decree.

Student voices on state school board

Winooski, VT. - A teenager who pushed for a student voice in setting state education policy will be the first student member of the state Board of Education. Isaac Evans-Frantz, a senior at Brattleboro Union High School, will serve on the board with full voting rights for one year. Another student, Miranda Jones, will serve as a nonvoting member for one year. She will move into the voting position during her senior year.

Gov. Howard Dean (D) announced the decision, saying, "there are boards and commissions throughout the state government whose decisions directly impact the lives of young people. Wherever possible and appropriate, I want to make sure that a student voice is at the table."

Free tuition for adopted, foster children

Worcester, Mass. - A proposal waiving tuition for adopted and foster children at state colleges and universities was approved last week by the Massachusetts State Board of Higher Education. The free-tuition program is available to all children, ages 24 and under, who were adopted from the Department of Social Services, as well as to foster children who have not been reunited with their families.

The state said it expects 200 foster children and 300 adopted children will take advantage of the program each year.

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