GUILFORD COLLEGE
FOUNDED 1837
GUILFORD COLLEGE
NORTH CAROLINA
27 August 1956
Mr. Ben L. Smith, Superintendent
Greensboro City Schools
617 Simpson
Greensboro, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Smith $
'This is to commend and thank you for your forthright stand
in regard to the desegregation of our schools. The people of Greensboro
are indeed fortunate to have such a man as you at the head of their
school systems and I trust will realize that fortune and continue their
support of your effort to do the best possible thing for their childgen.
If only we had more leadership such as yours in our public school system,
I truly believe that we could move forward to remedy many of the defects
of our schools without being practically paralyzed by the present fear
related to desegregation.
For some time I have been trying to make up my mind just what
was the best way to vote concerning the Pear sail amendment. Personally,
I favor desegregation and the sooner we get around to working out
practical steps to attain such, the better off we will be, I think. On
the surface, the Pearsall amendment looks as if it might permit that;
although unquestionably its purpose is otherwise. Your statement has
greatly helped me to clarify my thinking; and I thank you.
Best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
Edward P. Burrows, Assistant Professor
Department of History
