Federal Judge Denies Desegregation Hearing Request

HAMMOND, La. (AP) — A federal judge has denied an attorney's request for an evidentiary hearing after the hiring of white woman over a black applicant for the position of Ponchatoula High School head girls' basketball coach.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle's order states attorney Nelson Taylor's request for a hearing held no merit, facts or documentation to prove claims against the Tangipahoa Parish School Board and Superintendent Mark Kolwe.

The court has given Taylor until Oct. 22 to file a new motion on the matter. The board will then have 10 days to provide an answer.

Teacher Patricia Landaiche, who is white, was hired as coach of Ponchatoula High's girls' basketball team after Principal Danny Strickland rejected a second applicant, a black man.