8.2 Desegregation of schools and public spaces
3 min read•august 7, 2024
The Movement in Alabama saw intense battles over school desegregation. From 's brief enrollment at the University of Alabama to 's infamous stand, the state became a focal point in the fight for educational equality.
The push for extended beyond schools. The and aimed to dismantle segregation in public spaces and ensure voting rights for African Americans, marking significant victories in the struggle for equality.
School Desegregation
Landmark Supreme Court Case
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- (1954) declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
- The case was brought by the on behalf of Linda Brown, a young African American student denied admission to her local elementary school in Topeka, Kansas
- The unanimous decision, written by Chief Justice , stated that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment
Early Attempts at University Integration
- Autherine Lucy became the first African American student to enroll at the University of Alabama in 1956
- Her admission was met with protests and riots, forcing the university to suspend her enrollment after just three days
- Lucy's expulsion was later overturned, but she chose not to return due to the hostile environment
- and successfully integrated the University of Alabama in 1963
- Their enrollment was initially blocked by Alabama Governor George Wallace in his infamous ""
- Wallace physically stood in the doorway of the university's Foster Auditorium, defying a federal court order to allow the students to register
- President John F. Kennedy federalized the to force Wallace to step aside, allowing Malone and Hood to enter the building and complete their registration
Resistance to Integration
- George Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" symbolized the resistance of some Southern politicians to school desegregation
- Wallace, a staunch segregationist, based his 1962 gubernatorial campaign on a platform of ""
- His defiance at the University of Alabama brought national attention to the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing resistance to integration in the South
- Despite the eventual integration of the university, Wallace's actions galvanized segregationists and slowed the progress of desegregation in Alabama
Civil Rights Legislation
Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- of the Act outlawed segregation in public accommodations, such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters
- prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs, including public schools and universities
- banned employment discrimination and established the (EEOC) to investigate complaints and enforce the law
- The passage of the Civil Rights Act was a major victory for the civil rights movement and helped to dismantle the legal framework of segregation in the United States
Voting Rights Act of 1965
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to remove barriers to voting for African Americans, particularly in the South
- The Act banned literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory voting practices that had been used to disenfranchise Black voters
- Section 5 of the Act required certain jurisdictions with a history of voter discrimination to obtain federal approval before changing their voting laws or procedures (known as "preclearance")
- The Act also authorized the Attorney General to appoint federal examiners to oversee voter registration and elections in these jurisdictions
- The Voting Rights Act had an immediate impact, with African American voter registration rates increasing dramatically in the years following its passage (Mississippi: 6.7% in 1964 to 59.8% in 1968; Alabama: 19.3% in 1964 to 51.6% in 1968)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Alabama National Guard: The Alabama National Guard is a reserve military force that serves both state and federal governments, primarily tasked with providing emergency response, disaster relief, and military support during times of war or conflict. It plays a crucial role in Alabama's history, especially during major events such as World War I and the civil rights movement, highlighting its dual role in both national defense and local community service.
Autherine Lucy: Autherine Lucy was the first African American woman to enroll at the University of Alabama in 1956, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for desegregation in education. Her admission sparked widespread protests and highlighted the intense resistance to desegregation in the South, ultimately setting a precedent for future civil rights actions. Lucy's courage faced significant backlash, including threats and violence, which underscored the societal challenges of integrating public spaces and educational institutions during that era.
Brown v. Board of Education: Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This ruling effectively overturned the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson and became a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights, highlighting the systemic inequalities that African American students faced and energizing movements aimed at desegregating schools and public spaces.
Civil Rights: Civil rights are the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, particularly regarding discrimination in areas such as race, gender, and religion. This concept is essential in the fight against systemic injustices and promotes the idea that all people should have access to the same opportunities and protections. Civil rights movements have historically sought to challenge and dismantle oppressive structures that deny individuals their fundamental freedoms.
Civil Rights Act of 1964: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is landmark legislation in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act was a pivotal achievement of the Civil Rights Movement, influencing social change by promoting equality in various aspects of public life, including schools and public facilities.
Discrimination: Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on their characteristics such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. This term is crucial in understanding how certain groups have historically faced barriers in access to rights and resources, particularly in contexts like education and public spaces, where segregation was prevalent. Recognizing discrimination is essential in examining the efforts toward equality and desegregation.
Earl Warren: Earl Warren was the Chief Justice of the United States from 1953 to 1969, known for leading the Supreme Court during a transformative period in American history. His leadership significantly influenced civil rights advancements, particularly regarding desegregation of schools and public spaces, through landmark decisions that challenged racial segregation and promoted equality under the law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing laws against workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Established as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC plays a critical role in ensuring equal access to employment opportunities and combating discrimination in schools and public spaces.
George Wallace: George Wallace was an influential American politician and the 45th governor of Alabama, known for his staunch support of segregation during the Civil Rights Movement. His infamous stance against desegregation, marked by the phrase 'Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,' made him a symbol of political and social resistance to civil rights in the 1960s, while his later political evolution reflected changing dynamics in Alabama's political landscape.
Integration: Integration refers to the process of bringing together individuals or groups from different backgrounds into a unified whole, particularly in the context of social, political, and educational spheres. In the struggle for civil rights, it became a crucial goal to ensure that people of all races could participate equally in schools, public facilities, and society at large, challenging segregation and promoting equality.
James Hood: James Hood was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, known for his role in the desegregation of the University of Alabama in 1963. His determination to enroll despite significant opposition highlighted the broader struggle for civil rights, showcasing the tension between federal authority and state resistance during a pivotal era in American history.
Massive resistance: Massive resistance refers to the strategy employed by white segregationists in the United States, particularly in the South, to prevent the desegregation of public schools and other public facilities following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. This approach involved a combination of legal, political, and social actions aimed at maintaining the status quo of racial segregation, often resulting in violent confrontations and civil unrest. The concept reflects a broader climate of opposition to civil rights advancements during this period.
NAACP: The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 that aims to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equal rights for African Americans. The NAACP played a crucial role in advocating for desegregation, particularly in schools and public spaces, by challenging discriminatory laws and practices through legal action and public awareness campaigns.
Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever: This phrase embodies the unwavering commitment to maintaining racial segregation in public life, particularly in the American South. It reflects a defiant stance against integration efforts, emphasizing a belief in the superiority of a segregated society. The term is historically significant as it was famously declared by Alabama Governor George Wallace during his inaugural address in 1963, symbolizing the entrenched resistance to civil rights and desegregation movements, especially in schools and public spaces.
Stand in the Schoolhouse Door: The phrase 'stand in the schoolhouse door' refers to a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement when Alabama Governor George Wallace physically blocked African American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from entering the University of Alabama in June 1963. This act symbolized the fierce resistance to desegregation and the broader struggle for civil rights, illustrating the conflict between state authority and federal mandates aimed at enforcing racial integration in schools and public spaces.
Title II: Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on race, color, religion, or national origin. This landmark legislation aimed to dismantle segregation in schools, parks, restaurants, and other public spaces, ensuring equal access for all individuals regardless of their background.
Title VI: Title VI is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. This legislation plays a crucial role in promoting equal access to education and public services, especially in the context of desegregation efforts in schools and public spaces across the United States.
Title VII: Title VII is a crucial part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It plays a significant role in promoting equality and preventing unfair treatment in the workplace, which extends to the desegregation of schools and public spaces by ensuring that individuals have equal access and opportunities regardless of their background.
Vivian Malone: Vivian Malone was an African American civil rights activist known for her role in the desegregation of schools and public spaces in Alabama, particularly as one of the first two black students to enroll at the University of Alabama in 1963. Her courage during this challenging time made her a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice, highlighting the larger movement aimed at dismantling segregation laws in the South.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is landmark legislation in the United States that aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the Southern states. This act was a crucial result of the Civil Rights Movement, addressing the systemic barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote, thereby reshaping political participation and representation in Alabama and across the nation.