1964 Texas Observer links

President Lyndon B. Johnson integrates the Forty Acres Club by inviting his secretary Geraldine Whittington to lunch there. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1964/01/24#page=10

UT Chancellor Harry Ransom tells the general faculty that public areas in living units are no longer segregated and the Texas Relays and Longhorn Band are integrated. Athletic Director Darrell Royal announces complete integration of athletics at UT, and the UT regents approve integration of a married students’ dorm and summer seminar, completing integration in all areas of UT except student housing. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1964/03/06#page=8

On the last page of this article, Joe B. Frantz, UT professor of history, calls the regents’ integration decision “belatedly or not” an example of the Texas tradition. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1964/05/01#page=12

Sandra (Casey) Hayden is quoted on her experience with the Council of Federated Organizations’ Mississippi Summer Project. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1964/05/29#page=11

A rather strange piece of fiction on campus integration by Winston Bode, followed by back-and-forth comments by Bode and Obsever Editor Ronnie Dugger. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1964/12/25#page=1

1963 Texas Observer links

Commentary on the Texas Senate’s secret vote against John Connally’s appointment of W. St. John Garwood as a University of Texas regent. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/03/07#page=15

More commentary on the Senate’s vote not to confirm Garwood. Booker T. Bonner runs for Austin City Council. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/03/21#page=16

Black East Austin family’s house gets repairs from UT students meeting at University Presbyterian Church. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/04/04#page=2

Ad for Booker T. Bonner’s City Council candidacy. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/04/04#page=13

Four UT students, including George Goss of Alice (who was reportedly blackjacked in jail), receive vagrancy charges while in Tyler associated with efforts to integrate schools and restaurants. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/05/16#page=9

Andrew Shuval (Shuvalov) elected president of the state Young Democrats. Their state convention endorses sit-ins. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/05/30#page=16

Comprehensive report on integration in Texas in 1963, including integration at UT and its surroundings. Article starts here, and can be scrolled through: https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/06/28#page=9

Ronnie Dugger’s tribute to Medgar Evers, given at a memorial sponsored by the campus interracial committee at UT. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/06/28#page=14

Article without a headline on lawsuit to integrate dormitories at UT. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/07/12#page=8

Although Attorney General Waggoner Carr joined the attorneys upholding UT against integrating dormitories, he appoints Phillip Crawford as “the first Negro assistant attorney general in Texas history.” https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/07/12#page=9

Arrest of Sandra (Casey) Cason Hayden (on second page of article) in civil rights protest in Mississippi. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/11/15#page=4

Two dozen or so UT students protest in front of Kinsolving Dormitory, with signs that say “Delay Causes President’s Daughter to be in Segregated Dorm.” However, the Observer points out that Lynda Bird Johnson has since left Kinsolving for the White House. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1963/12/27#page=10

MLK speaks at UT

Dr. Martin Luther King speaks at the Texas Union. Clipping courtesy of Jeanne Reinart Graves. (Click on image to enlarge.)

1962 Texas Observer links

Attorney General Will Wilson comments on UT dormitory desegregation. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/01/26#page=1

Commentary on UT regents bypassing Will Wilson as counsel. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/01/26#page=4 (scroll down)

Maurice Olian comments on student attitudes on desegregation and an elected Daily Texan editor. Comments on critiques of the Texan from the Austin Statesman and Amarillo Globe-Times.  https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/02/09#page=1, jumps to bottom of https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/02/09#page=3

“Turn Toward Peace” movement compared to stand-ins. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/02/23#page=1 (scroll down), jumps to https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/02/23#page=3

Martin Luther King speaks at the Texas Student Union. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/03/16#page=6 (scroll down)

Picnic for Peace advertised. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/03/16#page=7 (scroll down)

Discussion of the Dallas Morning News series criticizing the University “Y” for, among other things, providing a meeting venue for the stand-ins. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/03/23#page=1, jumps to https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/03/23#page=3

UT Regent Chair Thornton Hardie criticizes the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai Brith for its resolution supporting UT students and faculty for their stand on the segregation issue. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/04/06#page=4

Commentary on an ad in the Alcalde for the Forty Acres Club in the “Observer Notebook.” https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/04/21#page=4

Article on the Christian Faith and Life Community at UT, including (on the jump page) a history of integration in the Community. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/04/28#page=1

Texas Southern University becomes the first “all-Negro university” to compete in the Texas Relays. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/05/12#page=6

A report that Vivien (sic) Franklin has an article on race relations at UT in The Southern Patriot for May 1962 entitled “Renaissance in Texas.” https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/06/01#page=4

UT loses a contract to house and train Peace Corps volunteers because of its segregated dormitories. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/06/29#page=4

A report on sports integration in Houston and the Southwest Conference. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/07/13#page=3

UT student Philip Russell was beaten and hospitalized for picketing the segregated Forty Acres Club. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/08/03#page=7

An article by Chandler Davidson gives a “tour” of the Forty Acres Club and discussion of the controversies surrounding its segregated status. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/08/10#page=1

Editorial quotes Lou Maysel of the Austin American Statesman on UT declining to host the NCAA track meet because of problems “providing housing, eating facilities, and amusement for the many Negro trackmen.” https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/08/31#page=4

In a meeting of the University of Texas chapter of the American Association of University Professors, 400 faculty and staff vote to censure the Forty Acres Club for its segregationist policies. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/09/21#page=7

Planned University of Texas ice skating classes for women at the Austin Ice Palace are rescinded because of the rink’s segregation policy. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/09/28#page=2

Commentary on University of Oregon halfback “Renfroe” (Mel Renfro, who later played with the Dallas Cowboys) playing against the Longhorns. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/09/28#page=4

UT’s Student Assembly formally supports James Meredith’s attempt to enter the University of Mississippi. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/10/05#page=2

Willie Morris on Chancellor Harry Ransom and the Board of Regents. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/10/05#page=5

“Political Intelligence” column announces upcoming UT student referendum on integration of athletics, dining and dorm facilities. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/10/19#page=3

Letter from Houston Wade raising objections to points in the Willie Morris article on Ransom in the Oct. 5 issue. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/10/19#page=7

Article on Pete Seeger’s concert at the University “Y.” https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/11/16#page=5

Other members of the Christian Faith and Life Community decide to attend a showing of the film The Manchurian Candidate despite Mary Simpson being left out because of segregation. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1962/11/23#page=5

1959 Texas Observer links

UT law professor Charles Alan Wright spearheads movement to integrate some Episcopalian camps in Texas. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1959/01/31#page=8 (bottom of page)

State Rep. Joe Chapman congratulates Barbara Smith (Conrad), whom he had barred from performing in an opera at UT, as “a great artist.” http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1959/02/07#page=7

Anthony Henry discusses the degree of integration in campus and off-campus life at UT. https://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1959/10/16#page=3 (bottom of page)

 

1958 Texas Observer links

UT’s 75th year student integration committee called for integration in dormitories, athletics, fraternities and sororities, and all services patronized by the student body. Dr. Logan Wilson, university president, said  no discrimination which really impeded learning existed. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/05/23#page=6

Willie Morris contrasts UT with the University of Oxford, his commentary including Barbara Smith being dropped from the cast of an opera because of political pressure regarding her race. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/07/18#page=6

An editorial lament that Rafer Johnson went to UCLA rather than UT. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/08/15#page=2

Political Intelligence column comments that Daily Texan editorial calls for “full integration of Negro students into campus life.” http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/09/19#page=7

In “Paper-Thin Defenses,” an interview with a segregationist from East Texas attending UT. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/09/26#page=2

“This Week in Texas” shows a shift in opinion via the Belden Poll regarding integration of Texas colleges. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/09/26#page=5

In “The Week in Texas,” a report that a UT “Negro student and his date” were compelled to move from their seats at the Baylor-Texas football game. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/12/05#page=3 (scroll down)

The Observer notes that a group of ex-students who claim that the University is not yet first class does not mention the cancelling of Barbara Smith Conrad’s role in an opera. http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1958/12/12#page=3

 

 

1962-64 Time Line from the Cactus

The 1963 and 1964 Cactus had a month-by-month listing of school (and some national) events. A lot of it is athletics, concerts, etc., but a few are relevant re clarifying dates, so I will type them in here as they appear in the Cactus:

September 1962

FRIDAY, 21st–American Association of University Professors meets for discussion of the University’s relation to the Forty Acres Club. (Chancellor Harry Ransom stated that the Club is a private club.)

October

MONDAY, 1st–James Meredith enrolls at the University of Mississippi amid rebellion led by Governor Ross Barnett.

WEDNESDAY, 17th–The Campus Chest Committee sets goal for annual Drive and removes Y from participation.

November

FRIDAY, 9th–Pete Seeger, controversial folksinger, presents his first program on campus amidst anti-Communist pickets.

December

SATURDAY, 1st–Judge Thornton Hardie resigns the chairmanship of the Board of Regents, and W. W. Heath is chosen as his successor.

February 1963

WEDNESDAY, 27th–A panel investigates the advantages and disadvantages of N.S.A. and the University as part of it in the Y.

March

WEDNESDAY, 13th–University students vote 59% against membership in the National Students’ Association in a referendum.

FRIDAY, 22nd–Frank C. Erwin, Jr., an Austin attorney, is named to the Board of Regents.

THURSDAY, 28th–Student Assembly votes 20-7 to withdraw from NSA.

April

THURSDAY, 4th–The Student Assembly votes Athletic Council its Blanket Tax appropriation after extensive debate over the objection to supporting segregated athletics.

SATURDAY, 27th–It is announced that Dr. Joseph R. Smiley, University President, has accepted the presidency of the University of Colorado.

November

MONDAY, 11th–University Regents vote unanimously to integrate athletics, the first Southwest Conference school to take this action. Regents extend participation in student activities to all students, removing previous racial barriers.

MONDAY, 18th–Integrated athletics at Texas becomes a reality with the Athletic Council’s adoption of the Board of Regents’ decision to remove racial restriction for student activities.

THURSDAY, 21st–President and Mrs. Kennedy begin their tour of Texas. Life magazine photographer records scenes of stump-speaking on the campus.

December

FRIDAY, 20th–Kinsolving Dormitory was picketed in protest of the University’s segregated housing policy.

January 1964

THURSDAY, 30th–Fraternity rush is opened to Negroes for the first time on UT campus.

MAY

TUESDAY, 12th–Ervin Perry, Negro graduate student, is hired as the first Negro on the University faculty. Perry will be an assistant professor of engineering.

SATURDAY, 16th–The University of Texas Board of Regents announces removal of racial barriers in University Housing, completing total integration for the University.

1957 Texas Observer links

Maco Stewart of the UT Young Democrats testifies at a Texas legislative subcommittee that had drafted segregation legislation: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/03/19#page=8

The Daily Texan opposes the segregation legislation (Week in Texas): http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/03/26#page=5 (scroll down)

Barbara Smith (Conrad) is dropped from the cast of the opera Dido and Aeneas at UT because of the objections of a legislator; the article says a black woman wins the UT Law School “Portia” contest but does not receive the title: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/07#page=8

Editorial “The Smith Case” condemns the UT administration for agreeing to recast the opera: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/14#page=2

UT Young Republicans vote unanimously to uphold the Supreme Court and to condemn the legislature’s segregation bills (“The Week in Texas”): http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/14#page=5 (scroll down)

Campus protests regarding the Dido and Aeneas issue: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/14#page=8

Cartoon satirizing the UT administration’s recasting of Dido and Aeneas: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/21#page=2

UT President Logan Wilson defends his decision to remove Barbara Smith (Conrad) from the Dido and Aeneas cast: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/21#page=8

Letter to the editor (“The Stump”) says that election of a black Portia at the UT Law School is a rumor: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/05/31#page=6 (scroll down)

State Sen. Henry Gonzalez’ mail supporting his filibuster against segregation bills includes a letter from a former UT student denied a job at UT because of Mexican ancestry and from a UT student with a black roommate. (http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/06/07#page=1; story is at bottom of page and continues on page 4)

UT President Logan Wilson reprimands R. H. Williams, chair of the Romance Languages Department, for seeking to allow a student (Donald Petesch) to attend a Faculty Council meeting discussing the Barbara Smith (Conrad) case: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/07/12#page=3

Heman Marion Sweatt resigns from the Cleveland, Ohio, NAACP board to work with the Cleveland Urban League: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/11/01#page=5

Daily Texan editor Bud Mims writes that the paper has been “advised to lay off the segregation issue.”: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/11/15#page=3

Interview with Bud Mims;  Harley Clark, UT Students Association president;  and Pete Gunter, chairman of student activities for UT’s 75th anniversary. They discuss integration and existentialism, among other topics: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1957/11/29#page=6

Final Stand-In Documentary

The nonprofit Peoples History of Texas has completed its documentary on the stand-ins. To see it, click on their name.

Links to Texas Observer on UT civil rights, 1956

The fall semester of 1956 was the first year for integration of undergraduate classes at UT’s main campus. Approximately 80 black students enrolled.

Former UT law student Heman Marion Sweatt reportedly took an overdose of sleeping pills (“This Week in Texas”): http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/01/25#page=8

Portrait of Willie Morris, Daily Texan editor at the time: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/02/22#page=6

James E. Titus, professor of government at UT, on interposition, the theory advanced by Gov. Allen Shivers and others, that the state could “interpose” between the federal government and the people of the state, for instance, to preserve segregation: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/03/07#page=3

Former UT faculty member J. Evetts Haley announces his candidacy for governor as a backer of interposition: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/03/07#page=6

UT student assembly passes a resolution welcoming blacks to campus; UT Inter-Co-Op Council votes to integrate its residences; only two UT dormitories will be integrated; Autherine Lucy considers applying to UT: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/03/14#page=8

Editorial endorsing Ralph Yarborough for governor recalls Price Daniel’s opposition to the admission of Heman Sweatt to the UT law school: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/07/11#page=2

Fagan Dickson, Austin attorney, publishes an article with the American Bar Association dealing with, among other cases, Sweatt V. Painter: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/09/05#page=4

Black undergraduates enter UT for the first time, but turmoil over integration of education continues elsewhere in the state: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/09/19#page=5

Editorial (scroll down) cites the UT Longhorns being beaten by the integrated team from the University of California: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/09/26#page=2

Attorney General John Ben Shepperd seeks to ban the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from operating in Texas;  its pledge to help Heman Sweatt with UT Law School fees is an issue. (Shepperd’s actions caused the NAACP to be almost dormant in the state for a time.): http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/10/03#page=4

Among evidence re the state’s prosecution of the NAACP, Thelma White purportedly regretting her decision to enroll at Texas Western (now UT-El Paso): http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/10/10#page=4

A cross is burned at the Texas Memorial Museum (Week in Texas). Austin police believe it is a fraternity prank: http://archives.texasobserver.org/issue/1956/10/10#page=5