The Supreme Court of the United States did, on May 17, 1954
and on May 31, 1955, declare unlawful the exclusion of a child from a public
school simply on grounds of race, A decision of the Supreme Court is law.
In view of the departure from traditional practice, the Court indicated
that a gradual adjustment would be necessary and permitted. Such provision
is wise in working out the utilization of building facilities, the assignment
of teachers, and the planning of the distribution of books and other
instructional materials. It would be highly desirable to know during
the previous school year that such step is in prospect for a given year
and the extent of change to take place.
Moreover, there is the need of such information in order
that Principals, teachers, pupils and patrons may be prepared psychologically
for the transition.
All this calls for a degree of restraint on the part of the
Negro race and an acceptance of concession on the part of the white race.
You will understand that the change-over involves policies
that no administrator is privileged to make, but must be made by the Board
of Education.
