Segregated education in the United States refers to the system of racial segregation that existed in public schools prior to the Civil Rights Movement. This system enforced separate schools for white and Black students, with Black schools typically receiving fewer resources and inferior facilities compared to white schools.

The segregation of schools was legalised by the 1896 Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which established the "separate but equal" doctrine. However, in reality, Black schools suffered from overcrowding, poorly trained teachers, outdated textbooks, and limited extracurricular opportunities.

Many Black parents and activists fought against segregated education, leading to landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), in which the Supreme Court ruled that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal and unconstitutional. This decision paved the way for the desegregation of schools across the country.

Despite the legal victories, the process of desegregation was met with resistance in many communities, leading to significant challenges and tensions. It was not until the late 1960s and 1970s that most public schools became fully integrated.

Today, the legacy of segregated education continues to impact Black communities, as disparities in resources and opportunities persist in many school districts. Understanding the history of segregated education is crucial in addressing systemic inequalities in the education system and working towards a more equitable future.