In September 2023, the Mississippi Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights submitted a proposal to study education funding concerns in the state. In February 2024, the Committee held a briefing to specifically address any civil rights implications of the education funding scheme in the state of Mississippi. The Committee heard testimony regarding the need for the Mississippi legislature to fully fund its education finance scheme. Panelists also stated that state resources need to be adequate, sufficient, and equitable. The current level of student progress was discussed.
Informed by the testimony, summarized in the memo, the Committee offers preliminary thoughts on concerns and recommendations. In particular, the Committee is concerned with the historical practice of the Mississippi legislature of underfunding the education finance plan.