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classification by allowing bussing for every purpose except desegregating schools. The District Court found that the initiative was unconstitutionally tainted by the racist intent of the sponsors, and both courts found that Seattle could not integrate its school with some bussing.

When the case was appealed to the Supreme Court, however, the United States switched sides, and filed a brief rejecting all of its previous arguments.

Two weeks ago, the department asked the Supreme Court to reduce the amount of school bussing and racial balance ordered by a lower court for Nashville, Tennessee.

As recently as Monday of last week, after the intercession of New York's Republican Senator, the Department of Education reduced five-year-old requirements for integrating their teaching staff of New York Public Schools.

In Charleston, South Carolina, in a school system so segregated that Mr. Reynolds admits it is an example of purposeful desegregation, he has announced he will not seek bussing as a remedy.

After the Civil Rights Division argued for more bussing in a school case in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, it then urged the courts to reconsider a plan which required just that.

Simply put, the administration argues now that even though state or local officials created a segregated school system, they have no obligation to undo it.

Where they wish to do so voluntarily, as in Seattle, the Justice Department argues against them in court.