The colored visitor., 1879-08-01
A Question of EthnOlOgy.
Louisville Bulletin.

Louisville Bulletin.
Those who think that the antipa
thy between races which constitutes
the chief social and political puzzle
of the South is confined to that re-
gion. would do well to reflect upon
what has recently been taking place
in the good city Of Poughkeepsie, in
the State Of New York.
Poughkeepsie, besides the proud
distinction Of being the seat Of Vas
sar College, rejoices in the possession
Of public high school under the
control Of the local board Of educa
ton. Some time ago the daughter OF
respectable citizen Of the town en-
tered one Of the public grammar
schools, where she pursued the pre-
scribed course Of study to the entire
satisfaction Of her teachers. Three
years ago she was admitted to the
high school, and in the lower grades
made 50 dilligent use Of her opportu-
Mite. as to win the respect and sym
pathy Of her instructors who freely
accorded her every privilege enjoyed
bv the other scholars for perfectlng
herself in the various branches taught.
All through her course thus far
she had had to encounter strong
race prejudice, and to endure many
Sights from her schoolmates; but the
teachers had treated her with kind
ness and generosity. When, how
ever, she entered the graduating class,
not only the scholars but the teacher,
whom it behooved to set different
example, began to heap shame upon
the unofending girl. In all public
exercises Of the class, in which she
had heretofore borne her proper part,
she was studiously ignored. The
law forbade her exclusion from the
school; but the privileges and honors
Of the public days were under the
control of the teacher, and this young
woman, whose standing in her class
was confessedly high, was singled out
for marked neglect.
The unfair treatment accorded her
eliminated few days ago, when ar
rangements were being made for the
commencement exercises. Notwlth-
standing her good scholarship, no
part was assigned her IN the closing
exercises, and the reason for the ex-
clusion was the same as that which
had debarred her from all public day
privileges during the entire year.
But this was not all. An annual "col-
lation" for the graduating class is
provided at the end Of the term, at
which all graduates, as q matter Of
course, are expected to be present.
But this particular graduate was Civ
en- plainly to understand that her
presence was not desired. 1t is even
said that the principal SO far forgot
his duty as to cater to this unseemly
prejudice BY himself telling the girl
that, although her standing as a
scholar was as good as it could be,
she ought not to think Of attending
the collation., because an intention on
her part to be present "mlght break
it up" A noble position, truly, for a
public school teacher Of American
youth to take!
So stands the case at present. Our
readers have no doubt anticipated the
explanation Of the ungeneTous treat
mcnt Of this respectable girl and
good scholar. She had the misfor-
tune to be born Of parents whose re-
mote ancestors came from Africa.
But why should this work to her
prejudice'
Girls and boys Of other nationali-
ties are not 50 treated in our schools.
A young Indian girl graduated not
long since from young ladies' semi
nary near New York, and no one
thought it degradation to associate
with her on terms Of equality, though
most Of her people are far lower in
the social scale than the class Of col
ored people to which the Pough-
keepsie girl belongs. Chinese and
Japanese youths are received into our
ademies and colleges, and no ones
eiudices are aroused by their par