Fears of 'Racist Secession' as New Louisiana City Sparks School Exodus

The newly formed city of St. George in Louisiana is facing an exodus of parents who fear that around 8,000 children could be kicked out of their current schools. The creation of St. George, which separates wealthy white residents from poorer black neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, was given the green light by the state Supreme Court last week after a decade-long campaign that opponents have criticized as racially motivated.

Why this matters: The formation of St. George raises concerns about the erosion of racial integration and the exacerbation of existing social and economic disparities in the United States. This development has implications for the broader national conversation on systemic racism and the role of local governance in perpetuating or addressing these issues.

Advocates of the new city hailed the court ruling as a victory in their battle to regain control of the area's failing education system. However, opponents argue that the split will create a "white enclave" and leave struggling black communities behind. Dani Altazin, a mother of three who lives in St. George but sends her children to schools in Baton Rouge, expressed her concerns: "There is no guarantee that St. George will be able to provide my children with the same education they are receiving now. There is so much uncertainty."

The St. George campaign, led by Norman Browning, a former volunteer at Woodlawn High School plagued by racial tension and violence, initially sought to create a new school district in 2012. When their efforts to secure a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature failed, they launched a bid to establish a new city instead. In 2019, the creation of St. George was approved by a simple 54% majority, despite opposition from 46% of residents who voted.

The formation of St. George is expected to siphon over $48 million in annual tax revenue from the city-parish government, which opponents argue will have devastating consequences for East Baton Rouge and its predominantly black population. ME Cormier, executive director of the One Baton Rouge campaign, criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the new city: "They don't know what tomorrow looks like. It is incredibly unclear when tax collection will begin and how those tax dollars will be distributed."

As uncertainty looms over the future of education in the area, some residents feel a sense of loss and displacement. Paul Brady, a resident of the newly formed city, expressed his sentiments on social media:"The segregationist has won. I am no longer a citizen of Baton Rouge. I now live in the white enclave of St. George. "The long-term impact of this controversial secession on the community and its children remains to be seen as the city of St. George begins to take shape.

Key Takeaways

• St. George, a new city in Louisiana, may force 8,000 kids to change schools, sparking concerns over racial segregation.
• The city's creation was approved by the state Supreme Court after a decade-long campaign criticized as racially motivated.
• Opponents argue St. George will create a "white enclave" and leave struggling black communities behind.
• The new city will siphon $48 million in annual tax revenue from the city-parish government, harming East Baton Rouge.
• Residents are uncertain about the future of education and concerned about the long-term impact on the community.