1961 US Commission on Civil Rights Report Book 2 - University of ...

Alabama
Governor John Patterson of Alabama said in a news conference on
December 7, 1960, that the riots in Little Rock and New Orleans were
nothing compared to what might happen in his State if efforts are made
to desegregate its schools. He told the news conference that there would
be no way to avoid trouble "if the Federal Government continues its
present approach." He is further reported to have said that the people
in Alabama "might as well make up their minds that they're going to
have to go to private schools or shut down the schools," if the Federal
Government attempts to desegregate them. 158 "I'll be one of the first ones
stirring up trouble," the Governor declared, at the same time emphasizing
that he would not tolerate mob violence if it could be prevented. 159
The decision in Shuttleworth v. Birmingham Board of Education 16 °
which upheld the constitutionality of the Alabama Pupil Placement Law
(as distinct from its administration) on its face appears to have been
interpreted by Alabama officials as a license to continue to operate schools
on a segregated basis. All public schools in Alabama remain completely
segregated. In June 1960 a suit was filed to enjoin the Birmingham
Board of Education from operating segregated schools but no hearing
has been set. 160 *
Mississippi
Governor Ross R. Barnett of Mississippi in his inaugural message on
January 19, 1960, said: lfll
Our people, both white and colored, throughout generations, have
successfully operated a dual system of education because we know it
is best for both races. I know that this is the best and only system
and I believe that the thinking people of both races feel the same
way about it. Regardless, our schools at all levels must be kept
segregated at all costs.
Although the Supreme Court of the United States declared in 1954
that segregated education was "inherently unequal" and therefore inferior,
it remains the only kind of education available to public school
pupils in Mississippi. The public schools of the State are completely
segregated; no public school desegregation suit is pending, or has ever
been filed, in any court in that State. 162
South Carolina
The official attitude of South Carolina toward school desegregation is
reflected in an observation of Olin D. Johnston, United States Senator
from that State: m
58