Separate and Equal Public Education is in the Interest...'

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This clipping from the June 17, 1951 issue of the Greensboro Daily News is a transcript of a speech given by Edward Kidder Graham Jr. on the issue of segregation in schools. Graham was Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Woman's College at the time he gave the speech to the North Carolina Congress of Parents and Teachers in Winston-Salem<br><br>Graham begins his speech by discussing North Carolina's traditions, including courage, independence, idealism, progressiveness, practicality, and religious faith. He goes on to state that North Carolina is in a period of controversy over school segregation, and that citizens must accept both sides of the argument. He cites instances where the North Carolina Public School System has provided separate but equal educational facilities for blacks, and argues that the issue of segregation is focused on the separate status, not equality. His proposals for action in segregation include: meeting the issue head on; avoid emotional involvement in arguing the issue; concede dignity to those with differing opinions; improve schools for both blacks and whites; establish effective communication between all parties; and measure successes and failures through religious faith.