Evening star., 1949-09-09
Arlington School
Head Testifies in
Bias Suit Today
Judge Hopes to End
Hearing by NightfoII
On Charges Of Pupil

Final defense witnesses testi-
fled today in the racial discrim-
ination suit against Arlington
school officials, and lawyers strove
to complete the hearing in Fed
eral District Court, Alexandria, by
nightfall.
Judge Albert v. Bryan, presid-
ing in the case brought by Con-
stance Carter, II, a colored stu
dent at Hoffman-Boston High
School, has urged the lawyers to
finish before the week end, be-
cause he is to preside in court at
Norfolk for three weeks starting
Monday.
School Supt. William A. Early
was to be the first witness today
the fourth day of the hearing.
Calls Opportunities Equal.
Court was recessed late yester-
day, after Assistant Supt. Charles
Walsh testified that. while courses
of study and physical facilities are
not equal" at the. white Wash
ington-Lee School and the COL
ored Hoffman-Boston School, the
overall educational opportunities
are equal. since pupils at each
school enjoy some advantages
over pupils at the other.
During cross-examination by
Martin A. Martin, one of four
colored attorneys representing
Miss Carter, Mr.. Walsh said the
girl was not allowed to enroll at
Westinghouse because she is
Negro. He explained that Vir-
ginia law requires separation of
races.
Explains Board Policy.
The assistant superintendent
told Judge Bryan the Arlington
School Board has policy of
making available to Negro pupils
every course for which there is
a demand. If a pupil wants a
Latin course given at Washington
Lee, it then is added to the cur
riculum at Hofman-Boston. he
said.
If, on the other hand, the COL
ored pupil requests instruction in
printing or automobile mechanics,
he is transported to and educated
at the regional vocational school
for Negroes at Manassas, or en-
tered in some Washington school,
the official stated. Because of the
relatively small number of colored
students, he added, the heavy and
expensive equipment for such
courses has not been installed at
Hoffman-Boston.
The colored lawyers sought to
show that Negro pupils are at a
disadvantage, because all of the
subjects taught every year at
Washington-Lee are not taught
every year at Hoffman-Boston.
Mr.. Walsh countered with testi-
mony that space limitations at
the white school prevent some
white students from taking de-
sired courses.
The assistant superintendent
said that, while provision is made
to meet the demands of every
colored pupil, a new course can
be added by demand at Washing
ton-Lee only if at least 18 stu
dents request it.
Two Students Heard.
The plaintiff yesterday present.
ed two Hoffman-Boston students
who said they cannot obtain in
struction they want. A boy said
he asked for automobile mechan-
les, which is taught at Washing
ton-Lee. A girl said she asked
for Latin, chemistry and other
courses taught at Washington
Lee. Mr.. Walsh said their re-
quests will be met either this year
or next. if the students are quail
fed for the study.
Mr.. Walsh also discussed school
board plans for 100000 worth of
improvements to the colored high
school building and $150,000 for
elementary facilities, which will
indirectly benefit the high school.
He said this work will be finished
by next September.
Earlier, a witness for the plain
tiff, DR.. Ellis O. Knox, Howard
University professor of education,
decried the cost of segregation as
q luxury which is economically
unsound."