JACKSON – Tuesday and Wednesday will see Simpson County residents speak out in support and against the release of their local school district from a federal court order that was issued 37 years ago to address racial disparity issues. U.S. District Judge William Barbour, will oversee what’s known as a “fairness hearing” at the federal courthouse of Jackson. This will determine whether the Simpson County School district has met the third court order. It will then be permitted to manage its own affairs regarding staff and faculty assignments. Mississippi Today did not receive comment from Holmes Adams, the school district’s lead attorney, or Suzanne Keys, the plaintiffs’ attorney. The district claimed it had met all requirements of the 2011 consent degree as well as any subsequent court orders arising from a 1982 complaint in its motion for “unitary status.” This is essentially a release from the court order. Marilyn Sue Coleman, an African American living in Braxton with her children, stated that she opposed the federal release. She stated that it would be reckless of the judicial systems to change the decree already in place. “I look forward the day when the school district will treat every employee or potential employee with the same standard… without the “Good Ole Boys” politics.” In 1970, Mississippi’s first federal desegregation order was issued. Many districts have since resolved racial discrimination cases and been released from court orders. More than 12 districts are still under U.S. Department of Justice surveillance, including Simpson County. This was the first time that Simpson County was accused of discriminatory practices in racially orientated practices in June 1982. It was brought to light by three adults, Gloria Jean Barnes, Cynthia Fletcher and David Barnes, on behalf of the minors Gloria Jean Barnes, Gloria Jean Barnes, and David Barnes. Recent court documents show that Simpson County Schools will summon two witnesses, former superintendent Glenn Harris and Superintendent Greg Paes. Elizabeth Christian, district human resource director, Debbie Davis (deputy superintendent), and Robert Sanders (principal of Mendenhall High School) are possible additional witnesses. The school district might offer the court 2014 reports and hiring documents. The plaintiffs may call six people, including Callie Dantzler and Robert Sanders. The plaintiffs plan to present exhibits that include four teaching licenses as well as documents regarding several hirings. These include Benjamin Johnson as Girls Basketball coach, Ramonica Fezzell as Mendanhall High assistant principal and Thomas McAlpin, Achievement Center principal. According to court documents, dozens of residents objected to the removal of scrutiny from the district._x000D