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Start with what you need

Tailored support and resources for the people working to create fair access and great opportunities for students.

Success Stories

High School Student

Meridian Public School District, MS

Breaking Free from Federal Supervision

 

Under a 2013 consent decree, Meridian significantly reformed disciplinary inequities. Suspensions dropped dramatically (from ~10,000/year to ~1,200), lifting the district into unitary status in 2023. Resource Link

Success Stories

Bright School Hallway

Desegregation case for Jackson County School District closed

A federal judge has officially closed the long-standing desegregation case involving the Jackson County School District in Florida. The decision marks the end of court oversight that began in 1970, following a joint motion from the district and the U.S. Department of Justice confirming compliance with prior desegregation orders. Resource Link

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District Leaders

Strategic guidance, compliance support, and tools to strengthen systems and outcomes.

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Educators

Practical strategies and materials to support teaching, learning, and inclusive classrooms.

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Policymakers

Nonpartisan research and insights to inform policies that expand opportunity.

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Communities

Information and opportunities to partner for stronger schools and brighter futures.

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New here?

Use this guide to explore the site and find what you need.

EXPLORE OUR WORK
Rooted in the South. Focused on Opportunity.

The Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA) is a trusted partner working alongside schools and communities to ensure every student has fair access to learn and thrive.

Featured Tools and Success Stories

School

Desegregation Reflection Guide: Know Your School System

An SCOA guide to assess compliance and identify gaps in policies, resources, and extracurricular access. Resource

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Toolkit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools (White House / Federal Agencies)

Federal guide for improving school facilities, air quality, water safety, and infrastructure. Resource

Collaborative Work Environment

Educational Equity Toolkit

Developed by The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, this toolkit offers advocacy frames, planning guides, and policy tools.  Resource

Team Collaboration Meeting

Equity Policies Toolkit for School Boards

From Race Forward, this 2023 toolkit supports districts in crafting equity-aligned governance, planning, and communications suitable for consent decree revisions.​ Resource

Our comprehensive collection of resources assists you in building equitable, inclusive schools where every student can thrive.

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​The Southern Opportunity Atlas.

Welcome to the Southern Opportunity Atlas, a comprehensive guide to understanding school desegregation and the measures used to evaluate progress toward eliminating the vestiges of segregation and achieving unitary status.

The Atlas serves as a resource hub for educators, school districts, policymakers, and other stakeholders engaged in school desegregation efforts. Grounded in history, law, policy, and practice, it provides accessible resources and practical tools to help users understand desegregation requirements, assess progress, and support effective implementation.

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