The Louisiana Supreme Court Approves Division of Wealthy Community Despite Worries

Following a lengthy legal battle, affluent white residents in Louisiana have been granted permission to establish their own city, sparking discussions on racial segregation and economic implications in Baton Rouge.

After a decade of legal disputes, wealthy white residents in Louisiana have succeeded in obtaining the right to separate from their poorer black neighbors and create a new city named St. George. This decision comes after a prolonged legal battle spanning ten years, as reported by the Daily Mail source.

The newly approved city, St. George, will cover a 60-square-mile area in East Baton Rouge Parish, with an expected population of 86,000 residents.

The initiative has been championed by wealthier segments of the community, who are aiming for enhanced education and safety measures.

The Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday is a significant milestone in a long-standing struggle that began nearly 15 years ago to establish a separate school district. This effort evolved into a comprehensive proposal to create an independent city, culminating in a successful referendum in 2019 where 54% of residents voted in favor of incorporation.

Critics argue that this move is intrinsically discriminatory and will further divide the city along racial and economic lines by isolating a predominantly white, affluent area from the rest of the predominantly black city and school district. Detractors warn of potential economic consequences for Baton Rouge, including a projected $53 million budget deficit and a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in the new city.

Opponents also fear that the separation will deepen existing inequalities, leading to economic challenges and reduced public services for the remaining parts of Baton Rouge. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and others have strongly opposed the formation of St. George, citing concerns about fiscal stability and essential services.

Despite the controversy, supporters of the St. George initiative remain determined to pursue self-governance. They argue that establishing a separate municipality is a constitutional right and promise to deliver on their commitments for a more efficient and prosperous community.

“The residents of St. George have long been integral to East Baton Rouge Parish’s economy, playing key roles in its commerce, industry, education, and culture,” advocates of the incorporation effort state on their website. “This has resulted in a situation where St. George’s taxpayers contribute two-thirds of the revenue to the East Baton Rouge Parish government but receive only one-third of its expenses in return,” according to Bloomberg report.

Organizers believe that with more control over their tax dollars, the city of St. George can enhance service delivery.