In March 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) initiated legal action against the Orange County School Board regarding the proposed sale of the Hungerford property. The SPLC supports Eatonville's proposal to establish an African American History Museum on this land, which aligns with the original intentions of its donors.
"It is our position that Eatonville’s African American History Museum proposal would be consistent with the original intent of the donors of the land," stated Anderson. "Those donors included Edward C. and Anna D. Hungerford—Ms. Hatler’s ancestors—who intended the land be used for the benefit of the Town and the education of its children."
The lawsuit seeks clarification from the Court on two significant issues concerning the Hungerford property: whether a 1951 deed restriction mandating educational use remains valid, and if proper procedures under state law have been followed by the school board in its efforts to dispose of this property.
In November 2023, Judge Vincent Falcone III delivered a preliminary ruling favoring plaintiffs in Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community v. The School Board of Orange County, Florida. This ongoing litigation, led by SPLC on behalf of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community Inc., aims to protect community interests amid plans for extensive commercial redevelopment at Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School.
"We are similarly committed to a satisfactory resolution as to the remaining acreage of the Hungerford Property owned by the Orange County School Board," Anderson added. "Our objective is to find a way forward for the remaining acreage of the Hungerford Property to be returned to control of community of Eatonville so that it can be used in a way that honors its history and safeguards future this community national importance. Our mutual support museum meaningful step forward."