In October 1981, a five-person panel of experts was appointed to study the postsecondary programs in the Caddo-Bossier area of Louisiana and to develop recommendations relative to allegations made by the United States and denied by the state, that Louisiana was continuing to operate a racially dual system of higher education and had failed to develop and implement plans to eliminate all vestiges of such a dual system in the state. As indicated in a Consent Decree, the panel was instructed to study "two-year program offerings at predominantly black and predominantly white public institutions in the Caddo-Bossier Parish area." During its investigation, the panel reviewed all existing documents, scheduled interviews to gather objective and subjective information, and conducted site visits. This report introduces the scope and purpose of the study; describes the panel's work; presents background information on the socioeconomic composition of the Caddo-Bossier Parish area and its public institutions of postsecondary education; and offers general observations and recommendations. The recommendations focus on the enhancement of programs, activities, and facilities at Southern University, Shreveport-Bossier City Campus, and Bossier Parish Community College; increased institutional cooperation and planning; provisions for increasing "other race" enrollments in 1- and 2-year programs; and the creation of a detailed plan of action to implement the recommendations. Information sources are listed in appendices. (HB)