(ATLANTA) A federal appeals court is considering a property tax lawsuit involving disadvantaged students in Alabama.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in the suit Thursday. The plaintiffs, who represent families in Sumter and Lawrence counties, appealed after losing in district court.
Al.com reports plaintiffs say the state's property tax system was set up in 1901 to protect wealthy landowners from higher taxes. They say the tax system keeps money from flowing to predominantly black schools.
State officials argue public schools are funded equally, and the tax system was established on an economic basis and not a racial one.
The appeals court did not indicate when it will rule.
