Transcript of Governor Bob Scott's Mini-conference, February 11, 1970

State Capitol/Raleigh 919/829-3310 Transcript of Governor Bob Scott's Miniconference Wednesday, February 11, 1970 Governor: It has been called to my attention that the last session of the General Assembly enacted GS 115-176. 1, which clearly states and provides that no public funds shall be used for involuntary busing to achieve racial balance in the public schools of North Carolina. The law states: "Involunta.ry busing of students in contravention of this Article is prohibited, and public funds shall not be used for any such busing. " I have taken an oath to uphold the laws of North Carolina, and until this statute is declared unconstitutional, I shall not authorize the expenditure of any funds for such involuntary busing. I think it is disruptive I have always been against the busing of students. It destroys the neighborhood school concept. The irony of all this is that nobody wants busing. Blacks don't want it; Whites don't want it; teachers don't want it; parents don't want it; students don't want it - - nobody wants it. Everyone wants freedom of choice to attend his neighborhood school. - 0 - Reporter: Well, where does that leave us, Governor? Governor: The solution to this problem, of course, really lies at the federal level because we are discussing the interpretation of the laws by the courts, and we're talking about federal law. As you know, several members of the Congress, both Senators and Representatives, have introduced measures dealing with this question, including some of our own delegation from North Carolina. And the solution lies at the federal level. I am simply saying that until the law of North Carolina, which a portion of which I have just cited to you, is declared unconstitutional, as Governor I have the responsibility for upholding this state law and the funds that are being talked about in the law. - 0 - Reporter: Do you anticipate, since this case involving the state law is now in the courts, that the state and the Attorney General will become a party to the suit that Mr. Carson recently brought?