In 1965, the Federal government mandated the integration of public schools in South Carolina.

According to SCISA founder Tom Turnipseed, Robert E. Lee academy was part of a pattern to oppose integration by founding segregated private schools, and naming them after Confederate leaders.

As a result of the support of Lee Academy by Bishopville's white power structure, public schools in Lee county struggled to raise taxes to educate their predominantly black student populations.

In contrast, 92% of students in Lee County Public Schools were black.

[1] In the summer of 2020, the school announced plans to change the name to Lee Academy.