“Uncovering the Legacy of Segregation Academies: How Public Funds Fuel Racial Separation in Schools”

In a recent investigation by ProPublica, it was revealed that many private schools in the South, known as “segregation academies,” are still operating and benefiting from public funds. The investigation found that in North Carolina alone, 39 of these schools have received tens of millions in voucher money. In Mississippi, 20 schools that likely opened as segregation academies have received almost $10 million over the past six years from the state’s tax credit donation program.

These segregation academies were originally established in the 1960s as a response to the desegregation of public schools following the Supreme Court ruling. The voucher program provided funding for white families to send their children to private schools, leading to the creation of these academies. Despite decades passing since their inception, many of these schools remain predominantly white, even in communities with a significant Black population.

The investigation also found that the state of Mississippi has found a way to reestablish private school funding through the Children’s Promise Act, which provides tax incentives to businesses that donate to certain educational charities, including private schools. This has resulted in public funds flowing into segregation academies, with at least a fifth of all schools benefiting from the tax credits being segregation academies.

One such school, Central Holmes Christian School, has received over $800,000 from the tax credit-fueled donations since 2020. The school’s headmaster, Chris Terry, stated that the funds have helped improve academic programs and technology at the school. Despite efforts to diversify the student body, Central Holmes still remains predominantly white, not reflective of the surrounding community.

While some progress has been made in diversifying these schools, the legacy of segregation academies continues to impact education in the South. The investigation sheds light on the ongoing issues of racial segregation in schools and the use of public funds to support discriminatory practices.