Us Code § 1656 - Prohibition against official or court orders to achieve racial balance or insure compliance with constitutional standards applicable to entire United States

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1656 — Prohibition against official or court orders to achieve racial balance or insure compliance with constitutional standards applicable to entire United States, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1656. Prohibition against official or court orders to achieve racial balance or insure compliance with constitutional standards applicable to entire United States

The proviso of section 407(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000c–6(a)] providing in substance that no court or official of the United States shall be empowered to issue any order seeking to achieve a racial balance in any school by requiring the transportation of pupils or students from one school to another or one school district to another in order to achieve such racial balance, or otherwise enlarge the existing power of the court to insure compliance with constitutional standards shall apply to all public school pupils and to every public school system, public school and public school board, as defined by title IV [42 U.S.C. 2000c et seq.], under all circumstances and conditions and at all times in every State, district, territory, Commonwealth, or possession of the United States regardless of whether the residence of such public school pupils or the principal offices of such public school system, public school or public school board is situated in the northern, eastern, western, or southern part of the United States.

(Pub. L. 92–318, title VIII, §806, June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 373.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is classified generally to subchapter IV (§2000c et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.

CHAPTER 38—DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX OR BLINDNESS

Sec.
1681.
Sex.
1682.
Federal administrative enforcement; report to Congressional committees.
1683.
Judicial review.
1684.
Blindness or visual impairment; prohibition against discrimination.
1685.
Authority under other laws unaffected.
1686.
Interpretation with respect to living facilities.
1687.
Interpretation of "program or activity".
1688.
Neutrality with respect to abortion.
1689.
Task Force on Sexual Violence in Education.

        

About This Section

20 U.S.C. § 1656 is part of Title 20 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 20 U.S.C. § 1656. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1656

What does United States Code § 1656 cover?

Section 1656 ("Prohibition against official or court orders to achieve racial balance or insure compliance with constitutional standards applicable to entire United States") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1656?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1656" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1656 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.