Southerners and Schools
The Helen Fuller "Southerners and Schools" report explores the dynamic of Southern education during the height of desegregation. It notes the struggles between maintaining their southern heritage and complying with federal laws that made for conflict and disagreements. This selection includes how the same Nashville area, with two different political leaders, managed the opening day of two consecutive years.
1956-1957 Preparation in Action: Southerners and Schools Report Page 23
Before the start of school in Nashville, Tennessee, there was a support system for the newly integrated families to prepare them for the changes. On opening day, 1956, they were prepared with fifty highway patrol officers and the National Guard with strict orders not to step foot on school grounds.
1957-1958 Outside Forces Forced Deployment: Southerners and Schools Report Page 23
The Nashville 1957-1958 school year was not as smooth as the previous year, as a rising antagonist incited under-educated parents to boycott, and a mob was present to welcome the children to school. With swift action by local law enforcement the following morning, the insurrection was managed, and the ringleaders were prosecuted.
