No Sudden Flux (1950-1955)
Pieces in this section were written before and in the wake of the decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court case which set in motion the desegregation of college campuses. Many address the speed of integration and how students should behave in reaction.
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The Southern College and the Color Line
October 3, 1950
Written after and in response to the enrollment of a Black student to the University of Tennessee's Law School, it argues that the University of Alabama will soon probably face something similar, and they should prepare for this. It also indicates that while there may be initial backlash, white Southerners will eventually accept this.
That 'Negroes' Editorial...
October 10, 1950
A followup piece to "The Southern College and the Color Line," it reiterates the newspaper's stance: it does not want Black students to be admitted but recognizes that this will be inevitable and is nothing to panic about.
Our Negro Problem Complicated
September 23, 1952
Written as commentary on the possible entrance of Black students to the University of Alabama and the attitude of white Southerners to Black people, it argues that white Southerners do not want to be forced into such changes and that they want to protect the rights of Blacks.
Desegregation -- May There Be No Sudden Flux
November 2, 1954
Written a few months after the Brown v. Board of Education decision that found racial segregation in schools to be unconstitutional, it reflects on the likely changes coming in the future and calls for gradual integration.
Logic and Restraint
June 14, 1955
Written in response to the recent Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education II, which clarified that district courts would be tasked with carrying out integration and that it should happen "with all deliberate speed." It argues that the task will be difficult, but, no matter the outcome, everyone should behave within the law.
Proving Grounds
July 5, 1955
Written soon after the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education II, it reflects on the role of higher education in dismantling segregation.