A three-judge panel of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled unanimously that civil rights groups could not sue the federal government to force it to take steps against states or colleges that may be breaking the law. (MLW)

The Education Department's expected announcement of its assessment of court-ordered desegregation plans in 10 states is reported. Most state leaders characterize their efforts as successful. Federal involvement, Black colleges, Education Department's Office for Civil Rights role, etc., are discussed. (MLW)

Problems and controversies involving public black colleges are reported in the context of the recent Supreme Court decision suggesting states should merge historically black colleges with geographically close, predominantly white institutions. In some cases white political leaders are blamed for potential closures of vulnerable institutions.…