A federal judge has ruled that an old desegregation lawsuit case against the St. Martin Parish School Board was never closed, even though it hasn't seen activity since the 1970s.

So what does it mean for the system today?  The judge's ruling could open the door for the Justice Department to take a look. Others could be interesting in using the case as well.

The School Board maintains that the suit was dismissed in 1974.

The Justice Department and attorney's for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund have argued that the case was never dismissed in 1974.

In the thrity-two page ruling, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote stated, among other things, that the case is still open, while the School Board disputes that decision.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL