November 21, 2003

Civil-Rights Official Switches Jobs

By STEPHEN BURD

Gerald A. Reynolds, a critic of affirmative action, has resigned from his post as head of the U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights to take a high-ranking job at the Justice Department.

Mr. Reynolds, whose last day at the Education Department was October 31, did not offer an explanation for his departure. But some political observers believe he left to avoid a nasty battle to hold onto his job. To remain in the post beyond this year, he would have had to be confirmed by