Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1961-02-18
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APPROXIMATELY six years. eight half months the
Supreme Court struck down the separate but equal doctrine
ustcaon OF segregated public school systems President of the
United States has publicly endorsed decision Said John Fz
gerald Kennedy at his Feb press conference response
the mob Intimidation" that "eecyey frustrated"
court order in New Orleans:
ut position that students should be given the oppor-
tuniy to attend public schools regardless race
Is in accordance with the Constitution"
Mr. Kennedy said he carefully considering how he could
most ueul do something to help provide mplementation of
the New Orleans federal court decision
He acknowledged effect he had yet determined
what specific and what could the moral author
Y or position OF influence of the presidency check control Of
New Orleans schools by mobs hrekng women have forced
boycott by white children and through economic other
prosecutions have eorized white families deyng the boycott
On the general question:" he sad students should be per-
mffed to attend schools in decisions"
There was further broader question" that beyond the
court decisions, he declared
believe strongly that every American should have oppor-
tny to have maximum development of his talents under the
most beneficial circumstances and that what the Constitution
provides"
TT IS NO DOUBT futile speculate might have
the changed chain of had Eisenhower
comparable words in 1854, or in 1855.
Mr. Eisenhower, any case willing respond affirm
atvely to the many questions which endorsing
Supreme Court decision invited
He spoke often of the "paence" awaiting
processes of education, but did he indicate moral
sympathy with the result of the constitutional judgment of the
court He did assa court; simply express
his concurrence.
The effect to deny southern white families and children
willing accept deseggation southern officials seeking help
against passionate mobs and racebag politicians he moral
authority or position of influence of the presidency"
NOW FRESH START has been made and although stu
atoms have become least temporarily Frozen
ice jam yields to the warming effects of changed climate
The Deep South complex of its history and its traditions but
is by no means monohc in its social attitudes has perhaps
than its share of of conscience and tolerance of both
partly because circumstances have compelled them think
deeply about the implications of American society founded
the doctrine that all equal their claim fair opportunity
What they have needed, what they win need before the story
done, IS moral sustenance and encouragement What the
embatied communities need chance rebuild the bridges
OF understanding of communication and cooperative work to-
ward decent goal that umbled down by the rane and
the demagogues and rioters.
Another thing they need surely is little less pious ecurng
from those who full Of advice for officials and school boards
hundreds of miles away and noeaby silent about forms of dis
elimination in their communities and neighbohoods-
housing in the field of job opportunities in public facilities They
need fair chance to the change.