CHAPTER 3: Neoliberalism and Contemporary Reform Efforts in Mississippi’S Public Education System

Due to Mississippi’s consistently low ranking on educational outcomes, reform efforts have been continuous. Over time, opposition to integration following the Brown (1954) ruling led to resegregated school systems. Contemporary reform efforts favor White students while resisting equity. The neoconservative movement allowed neoliberal reforms, such as “accountability” and performance based funding, to emerge and extend their influence to public higher education. These influences are discussed, along with a call for social justice based reforms.