Sanders throughout his political career was a supporter of civil rights. Upon entering the Presidency he made it clear that he would expand the policy of busing to help continue the integration of public schools.
In February of 1973, he announced that he has authorized the United States Marshal Service to enforce court issued busing orders. This gained the praise of many civil rights groups and legislators, but earned the ire of many.
Along with a number of Representatives and Senators, such as Bob and Ted Kennedy, Edmund Muskie, and George McGovern, he worked to add an amendment to that year's education appropriations bill mandating that any school district which has used at least $20,000 in federal aid be required to ensure integration of all of it's facilities. That number was eventually increased to $35,000.
He signed into law an Executive Order officially setting racial quotas for all government contractors, including those who have received less than $50,000.