Who's To Say (1956-1961)
Pieces in this section were written in reaction to Autherine Lucy's attempt to desegregate the school and in the years after. Many reflect increased Ku Klux Klan activity locally and on campus.
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The Irresponsible 'Leaders'
February 7, 1956
Written days after Autherine Lucy's attempt to integrate the University and the riots that followed.
It shows sympathy with most people attending the violent protests, laying the blame on the "zealots" in the crowd and its leadership. It also calls for students to listen to President Carmichael.
Comparison by Contrast
March 19, 1957
Written after an altercation between students at a debate forum and a local Ku Klux Klan group, it contrasts the motives and behavior of the two groups.
Limits Needed for High Court
June 25, 1957
Written in response to recent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and with explicit reference to Brown v. Board of Education, it argues that the Court needs to be brought back into balance with the other branches of government.
Tradition Holds Strong
July 1, 1958
Written after an in response to the suspension of racial integration at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, it argues that forced segregation has in general caused tension, and that allowing the South to move in this direction at its own pace is best.
Right, Wrong; Who's to Say?
April 30, 1959
Written in response to related two local incidents: the Ku Klux Klan erecting a sign on a major highway and a student later covering it with paint, the newspaper's Jewish editor reflects on how to cover these stories for the newspaper.
Cross Burning on Campus
March 16, 1960
Written after a cross was burned on campus, it conjectures that the deed may have been a prank, but as a symbol it will only add to current tensions. It also cautions against violence.
Negroes Apply for Admission to UA
March 23, 1960
Written after and in response to news of the application of six Black students to the University of Alabama's Montgomery extension center, it attempts to clarify the situation -- that there is no reason to think the main campus will be desegregated -- and says it hopes to see no violence in response.
Ciardi Controversy
March 15, 1961
Written after the Alabama Association of Education rescinded the speaking invitation of poet John Ciardi, based on a magazine article he wrote about the Jim Crow South, it argues that the cancellation was unnecessary and moreover only proved Ciardi's point from the article.