Evening star., 1953-05-08
9Civic Leaders
Offer Advice
On |ntegration
School Boord to Study
Ideas for Possible
Bon on Segregation
-
By Jones 6. Deone

by Jones y. Deone
The Board of Education was
armed with some more advice to-
day against the day of a possible
Supreme Court anti-segregation
ruling.
Nine civic leaders gave the
board their views on the me-
chanics of school race integra-
ton at a special meeting yester-
day. Thirty had been invited,
but only 13 showed up, and four
announced they were merely
observers.
Most speakers spoke along
lines similar to written sugges-
tions already received by the
board from number of civic Or
ganizations. The high court may
rule this month on five pending
segregation challenges, including
one affecting Sousa Junior High
School.
Board President C. Melvin
Sharpe ruled out any opinions
on whether segregation should
or should not continue, assert
ing that was in the courts hands.
Cafritz Testifies.
Morris Cafritz, real estate
operator, told the board integra-
tion should be accomplished with
view to maximum use of exist
ing buildings and minimum dis
ruption for pupils and teachers.
There should be neither
wholesale redistribution of pupils
and teachers nor a small and
grudging acceptance" of the new
situation, he said. Although pupils
should be assigned to schools
nearest their homes. they should
generally stay in the schools
where they are now. he asserted.
The same principle. he added,
should apply to teachers.
New teachers should be as
signed regardless of race, how
ever, Mr.. Cafritz added.
II am certain all residents of
the District, as good citizens, will
accept with a democratic spirit
the Supreme Courts decision u
he predicted.
John B. Duncan, recorder of
deeds and former president of the
Federation of Civic Associations,
said special emphasis should be
placed on a fortnight philoso-
ply of integration stated by the
School Board. School personnel
and the public should be trained
in human relations. he said
Would Bar Choice.
Mr.. Duncan warned against
gerrymandering in re-mapping
school districts and said parents
should not be allowed to choose
their children's school.
. Woolsey w. Hall. former board
member, advocated complete and
immediate integration in case OF
a court ruling. He opposed Sug-
gestions for q citizens advisory
committee to oversee the pro-
cess, but he urged education OF
the public by radio, television
and churches.
Another former board men,
ber, DR.. Phillip T. johnson, said
an immediate pupil census should
be. conducted as the basis for
setting new school boundaries,
and pupils then should be as
signed accordingly. Top-level
jobs should be reassigned. and
teachers and parents should be
thoroughly briefed through
meetings lectures and use of the
school systems handbook on in
tergroup relations. he said.
Delay Opposed.
DR.. c. Herbert Marshall, presi-
dent of the Federation of Civic
Associations, said immediate in
tegration is highly important.
ANY delay will bring about a
series of mass meetings that will
stir up and becloud the entire
picture" he warned.
At the same time, he added
that, IF the board thinks there
might be some danger in COM
plete integration at the outset, I
would integrate in the grades
and in the college" Junior and
senior highs would be integrated
later. he added.
Mrs. Robert c. MCGUIRE, ST.,
former board member, took is
sue with this position.
II really feel to eliminate any
vestige Of segregation in the
school system is the thing to
do" she declared, adding that
integration should include
eliminating the practice of re-
stricting certain positions to
members of the white race" She
cited the posts of associate sup
erintendent of buildings and
grounds, associate superintend-
ent Of curriculum and business
officer.
WaldrOp's Suggestion.
Frank c. Waldrop, executive
editor of the Washington Times
Herald. said that, if a court
order for integration comes, the
board should call on the armed
services to assign personnel of
both sexes and races to visit the
schools. He said the armed forces
have had a great deal of success
in racial integration.
J. Russell Virgins, managing
editor Of the Washington Post,
said that, after a. court decision,
the board should give all chill
dren a statement explaining the
decision and the boards policy
on carrying it out.
Mrs. Frances M, Wood. editor