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ProPublica Uses Demographic Data from Private Schools to Investigate Segregation Academies

“Uncovering the Divide: The Impact of Segregation Academies on Communities Across America”

In a groundbreaking investigation by ProPublica, the issue of school segregation in rural towns, particularly in the South, has been brought to light. The report highlights the stark divide between private and public schools, with Black children predominantly attending public schools while white children opt for private schools, often referred to as “segregation academies.”

These segregation academies were established during the era of desegregation in the South, and many of them still operate today, perpetuating racial divisions within their communities. The lack of interaction between students of different races in these schools has led to continued segregation in these towns, despite the Supreme Court ruling against state-mandated school segregation 70 years ago.

To uncover the extent of this issue, ProPublica researchers compiled a master list of segregation academies still in operation. They utilized a 30-year dataset from the U.S. Department of Education to analyze the racial demographics of private schools over time. This data, previously unknown to the public, revealed the ongoing impact of segregation academies on their communities.

In response to the findings, ProPublica launched the Private School Demographics database, allowing anyone to access and analyze the racial breakdown of private schools in their area. The database sheds light on the divisive effects of segregation academies, such as in Wilcox County, Alabama, where stark racial disparities persist between private and public schools.

The investigation also uncovered segregation academies in Amite County, Mississippi, where the racial enrollment disparities were particularly pronounced. The report highlighted the profound impact of these schools on community divisions, as evidenced by the stark contrast between public and private school events.

Overall, ProPublica’s in-depth analysis of school segregation in rural towns underscores the ongoing challenges of racial integration in education. By making this data accessible to the public, the hope is to spark conversations and drive change towards more inclusive and equitable education systems.

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