Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-08-15
SegregatiOnist
Drafts Modified
Student Setup

of Alexandria. who has been
Northern Virginia most vigor-
Gus pro-segregation legislator,
today proposed a modified pupil
assignment plan that could per-
NIT some integration.
Mr.. Thomson said he did not
consider his plan retreat from
his previous opposition to inte-
grafton, because he believed the
scheme could prevent mixing of
white and colored students.
But he acknowledged that
there might be some indignation
in localities that seek to permit
it under the modified plan.
The Thomson proposal APP
pears to represent a compromise
between the strongest pro-
segregation forces, who would
withhold State funds from any
community that integrateS, and
liberal leaders, who would al
low localities to handle the
problem as they see fit without
any financial restraints by the
State.
Would Limit Funds
Mr.. Thomson told The Star
that under his plan, the State
would withhold funds only for
the number of children that are
integrated into white schools.
He said this would serve to deter
localities from migrating, but
might not be complete barrier,
because only a few colored chill
dren may be involved in some
areas.
Since this would mean the
withholding of only a few hun
dred dollars, he said, some COM
munities may see fit to let few
colored children attend white
schools.
The Alexandria delegate said
he would not vote to close
schools, nor - lid he vote to
withhold all STATE funds from
any locality that integrates. He
predicted that such drastic
measures as these don't stand a
chance" of passing at the spe-
cial General Assembly session
beginning August 81.
stop Gap" Action
Mr.. Thomson said he consid-
cred his plan, or any other
adopted at the session, strictly
q "Stop-gap" measure to hold
the line against indignation until
something better is worked out.
He said that the plan of
Senator McCue of Charlottes-
vile would take some time to
adopt because it involves con-
stltutional changes. The McCue
plan would put control of all
schools in the hands of the Gen.
eral Assembly. Mr.. Thomson
declared that he was not taking
a stand on the McCue proposal,
Mr. Thomsons support for a
pupil assignment plan came as
a surprise. since the segregation
forces generally have opposed
such a plan because it might
lead to indignation.
Gov. Stanley at one time an
nounced he would oppose a pupil
assignment plan. Later. he
modified his stand to say he
would not oppose it. but would
not support it.
Mr. Thomson said it was
ridiculous" for anyone to say
there wouldn't be an assignment
plan
Must Agree on Details
"The real bone Of contention
is going to be what I consider
an assignment plan and what
the liberals consider one to be-
he added.
Other features OF Mr.. Thorn
sons plan include a proposal to
limit applications for new school
assignments to individual stu
dents. and to spell out an appeal
system through administrative
remedies for each assignment
case. Mr.. Thomson added that
the opportunity to appeal ar
assignment should be made avail
able TO persons who object 10 q
colored student entering a white
school, as we'll as to a coloreo
student dissatisfied with ar
assignment to an all-coloreo
school.
Mr. Thomson outlined some
al his views before about sc
members Of the Arlington chap.
ter Of the Defenders OF State
Sovereignty and Individual Lib.
critics in Broyhill Auditorium
Arlington, last night. He elabo-
rated on them for a reporter
today.