This paper compares the desegregation process in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Detroit, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri. Issues discussed include: (1) federal funding and regulations; (2) the role of the State government; and (3) the relationship between the school districts and the State and Federal governments. The third issue is treated in terms of the ingroup/outgroup syndrome. Different definitions of desegregation used by each school district are outlined and each city's choice of either a city or metropolitan desegregation plan is discussed. Various approaches to community planning are described and areas for future research are suggested. (APM)