Resegregation in Florida School Districts [Esther]

This map series explores racial segregation in Florida school districts over a period from 1997-2014. The map attempts to draw connections between the racial distribution of white and black students, and the possibility of voluntary segregation. As you progress through each tab of the map, you will notice that more data accumulates in the layers. This map serves as a visualization of both resegregation in Florida school districts and the availability and efficiency of data collection concerning the Florida Department of Education. Take note of what and when data is displayed, as the map series presents a narrative of data collection.

Find the map here.

Statement of Significance

Over the past few decades, there has been a growing population of black and Latino students in high poverty and high minority Florida schools. This trend has been countered by concentrated areas of white students in Northern Florida. In 2014, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education reached its 60th anniversary, signaling six decades of the abolishment of legal segregation. This projects investigates whether segregation has persisted despite the gains of the Civil Rights movement, and the socioeconomic factors involved. 

As a product of the Florida public system, I am familiar with the lack of resources and other consequences that arise because of the data explored in this project. While the project focuses on visualizing the racial divides that exist within schoool districts, I simultaneously provide commentary on the availability of data regarding this issue, and its connections to awareness, as the gaps in the data are just as significant as the data itself.