Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student Essays

Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student Essays Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student Essay Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student Essay Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student Name Course Date Civil Rights Diary of a University of Mississippi Student In a period marred by racial prejudice and segregation between blacks and white was prominent, James Meredith had a strength of mind to advance his schooling at the University of Mississippi which was located in Oxford. During this time, the University was referred to as Ole Miss and exclusively conducted admissions on people of the white race. In the year of 1961, James Meredith sent an application to study at the University. He had previously sent two applications to be enrolled. His request was eventually denied after a long period of delay. In his determination to attend the University, even after its refusal, Meredith advanced for his rights by asking the assistance of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored people. They filed the lawsuit based on racial discrimination. It was also a fight for civil rights of the African American community. The University was sued with the claim that they denied his request to enroll because of â€Å"his racial background† (James Doyle, p.34, 2001) and not because of a lack of educational qualification. The case reached its peak at the Supreme Court, and he won the case. The final decision aggravated a constitutional predicament between the Federal government and Mississippi. Even though he won, the case the struggle was far from over especially in the realm of power. The politics of the day would prove to be a huddle in his course for education. The Mississippi Governor Mr. Ross Barnett firmly opposed the incorporation of African Americans at Ole Miss. Prior to this, the Governor attempted to block his request by ensuring the legislature passed the law directed at Meredith. The law stated â€Å"no person that was convicted of a crime† (Doyle, p.73, 2001) would gain admission into the School and Meredith faced allegations of false registration during voting. Together with others members of the white community, the governor vowed to curtail Meredith’s enrolment at all costs even his enrolment. Meredith’s entrance into the University in September of 1962 was a violent and unforgettable event. â€Å"The broadcasts reported excitement at the Campus†(Doyle, p.212, 2001) His path had been blocked by a huge angry crowed of 2000 students and including the police throwing bricks and numerous items were thrown at him. Guards who were protecting him were not spared. The Attorney General Robert Kennedy issued an order to have federal troops put into effect the law and let him to continue with his registration at the university However, hostility reigned and the crowed and troops were engaged in a violent confrontation causing the murder of two and scores of others wounded. The Federal troops stayed on the campus vicinity to protect him and on the first day of October 1962, Meredith was registered becoming the first African-American to join the University. This marked a noteworthy milestone for the individuals fighting for Civil rights, as well as an acknowledgment of these rights. Meredith finally enrolled at Ole Miss and successfully completed his studies the following year with a degree in political science. Socially, his term at the school was not productive. Threats of increased violence were a common thing in his education. In addition, there was racial discrimination. During his two semesters on campus, â€Å"students gave him no peace† (Eagles, p. 119, 2009). Students ensured that they created a hostile environment and some were said to bounce their basketballs just a floor above his room at nighttime. This was a way of disturbing his peace and sleep in the nighttime. At the cafeteria, they would exclude him. When he would walk in, they turned their backs on him while eating. The tables with white scholars would immediately be emptied when he sat with them. The efforts of James Meredith was a surge to win the fight against racism .The fact that he had to carry out his activities in the School with an army following him are a clear indication of the dominance of racism at the time. The endeavors to desegregate the learning institution further encouraged Americans situated south to rise against the discriminatory laws, acts and policies. References Doyle, W. (2001). An American Insurrection: The battle of Oxford, Mississippi, 1962. New York: Doubleday. Eagles, C. W. (2009). The price of defiance: James Meredith and the integration of Ole Miss. Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina Press.