TCU Integration exhibit images - imported from exhibits.tcu.edu
Item set
- Title
- TCU Integration exhibit images - imported from exhibits.tcu.edu
- Description
- Images related to the history of integration at TCU
- Subject
- TCU History
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Photograph of TCU Women's Basketball player Minnie Vernell Armstrong. Armstrong was pictured on page 112 of the 1979 TCU Horned Frog yearbook. -
The Skiff, Friday, February 5, 1971 (page 8) Demand List Presented to Press (Continued from Page 1) place and that Ray Turner, president of the TCU campus NAACP receive all the facts of the case. No Revolution They concluded that they are not revolutionaries and are not trying to change the basic structure of TCU, but are trying to make it a more effective educational institution for black students. They feel if they are to be effective members of the communities they must demand relevant courses. In Thursday morning's press conference several spokesmen representing the black students in general read the prepared statement and answered questions from the press. The spokesmen were Frank Callaway of SAAC, Jennifer Giddings, 1970 Homecoming Queen, Larry Dibbles, and Eddie Miles. Callaway read a portion of the statement relating to Dibbles and then let Dibbles make a statement of his own. Dibbles said that "lack of adequate social life" was not his reason for leaving. He said that his reasons for leaving were preciptated by the change in the staff and the change in rules. New Rules "My reason for leaving is the new rules, not because of the social life. The social life is getting better and I'd like to stay, but Coach Pittman has his rules and I have mine. [Photo of Hodges Mitchell] Callaway then read the portion of his statement relating to Jennifer Giddings no being invited to the Cotton Bowl parade. Miss Giddings said, "I am disappointed to know that the students selected me to represent them but I was denied this opportunity on Jan. 1. I know that some people would say "Well, that would happen anyway" but sometimes you think a little differently when you are black." Eddie Miles then read the completion of the statement listing the complaints and demands. In the questioning that followed, Dibbles said there had been no harrassment from the white players. Eibbles alwo stated that he had not yet decided where to transfer, that the four players may or may not go to Florida State as Coach Pittman had said. Plans Not Known As for the basketball players, Dibbles said he did not known their plans. Dibbles cited his and Rhodes' denial of food at the training tables as a preciptating factor. He also said that one time Rhodes' plate was taken from him at the training table as he prepared to eat. Dibbles said he could not change his mind and return. "It would create an air of dissension on the team, and that is not good for a winning team." He said Pittman had asked him to stay. He said the other three players were not present because they did not want to jeopardize their chances at getting into another school. Dibbles said he considered the incident important enough to speak out. The spokesmen said they considered the new rules related to racicm because only one white athlete had a moustache, while most of the blacks did. Callaway said the moustache issue goes deeper than it seems since blacks consider it a way of expressing manhood and militancy. Uniform Rules In relation to the demands for more black professors and staff members, Callaway said TCU has only two-and-a-half black faculty members: one in nursing, one in Upward Bound, and one in an unspecified field. Callaway said the blacks are not trying to change the rules and that the rules should be uniform for both white and black players, and called for an investigation. Miss Giddings underscored the fact that she is a transfer student and not familiar with TCU rules and traditions and said she is concerned because she was not contacted at all. Mike Usnick, student body president, then made a statement. He said that for the last two years invitations to the Cotton Bowl game had been sent for the student body president, the cheerleaders, and the TCU sweetheart. This year's sweetheart was Angela Ambrose. Eddie Miles summed up the black student's feelings: "We will take whatever means are necessary, and you can take that any way you want." Speculation The athletes' action, coming soon after the assumption of the head coaching duties by Jim Pittman, aroused speculation that racial issues of dissatisfaction with dress and appearance codes recently introduced by Pittman may have been involved in the decision. Pittman, who was previously the head coach at Tulane, returned from the recruiting mission in West Texas Tuesday and met with the players on Wednesday. [Photo of Larry Dibbles] He said that in his discussion with the players, "They expressed no dissatisfaction" with him or the changes that he has institutied. According to Pittman, the athletes told him their dissatisfaction stemmed from the lack of adequate social life for them, and that Florida State is in an area more suited to their needs. Only One Pittman also said that the only one of the four who felt the effects of the new appearance code was Dibbles, who was not allowed to eat at the athletes' training table because of his moustache. The new appearance code calls for all football players to be clean-shaven, to wear shoes, socks, and a belt, and to have reasonably short hair. The players, Pittman said, expressed no displeasure with the code at the time of their meeting, saying that they felt it was necessary to apply it to blacks as well as whites. At the end of the meeting Pittman said that the players "shook my hand and wished me luck." At present, the dress code applies only to the football team, but it has been suggested that it be made applicable to all athletes. Athletic director Abe Martin said the suggestion has been made. "One of the coaches, I can't remember which one, did say that he things all of them (the coaches) ought to get together on this thing, but there's nothing official yet," Martin said. Martin met with Mitchell, Rhodes and Garnett Wednesday and said the athletes had told him the same things they had said to Pittman, that their reason for leaving was the unsatisfactory social life at TCU. -
The Skiff, February 4, 1964 Trustees Drop Racial Barriers Campus Remains Calm with Total Integration Calmness, perhaps even a feeling of relief prevails on the TCU campus a fortnight after the University's Board of Trustees tore racial barriers from all phases of the school's program. At most 12 Negro students had enrolled in the Evening College under the new ruling, according to Amos Melton, assistant chancellor, at the close of formal spring registration Jan. 29. No Negroes had entered day school at undergraduates. Students from Brite Divinity School and Harris College of Nursing already have been attending day classes. Confirming the prediction of school officials, there was no deluge of Negro enrollment. Upholding expectations, there were no incidents of the type that have marred other institutions and brought shame to their locales. Dr. Sadler Credited Much credit for the smooth handling of the integration problem has been directed toward Chancellor M. E. Sadler. "I've never been prouder of him," Mr. Melton said, speaking of Dr. Sadler's participation in the Jan. 29 Board of Trustees meeting, which 32 of the University's 41 trustees attendend. The called meeting, lasting two and one half spirited hours, had integration as its sole topic. Clyde Tomlinson of Hillsboro, vice-chairman of the Board, presided in the absence of Chairman Lorin A. Boswell of Fort Worth who was hospitalized. In a 13-page statement which Mr. Melton terms "a masterpiece of its kind," Dr. Sadler said, "I am convinced that all members of this Board share a common view in one respect - that in the sight of God and the law of our land, all men, all races share equal rights." Recommendation He recommended that the Board: 1. Approve, effective Jan. 23, enrollment of students at TCU without reference to race, color, creed or nationality. 2. Charge and trust the Administration with the wise implementation of the new policy. Acknowledging the less-than-unanimous approval of the recommendation, Mr. Melton commented, "Dr. Sadler's great leadership, patience, understanding and calmness in the face of a tough situation carried the day." Mr. Melton noted that integration has been a topic of concern for many years, with the past 12 months' activities adding intensity. Desire Integration In late spring, 1963, TCU students expressed a desire for integration when polled at an election. Ninety percent of the faculty expressed this same desire when polled last semester. Student Congress and other campus organizations and departments also have expressed concern in letters to Dr. Saddler. A look at other determinants reveals that only two Southwest Conference schools - Rice and Arkansas - remain segregated. Mr. Melton explained that all government and many private research grants are provided only to integrated schools. TCU has been urged also by its churches and by local institutions to drop racial bans. Trustee Succumbs Clyde Tomlinson, TCU trustee who presided during the board's historic integration decision, was fatally stricken at his Hillsboro home Sunday. Tomlinson, 67, vice chairman of the board, was a 1916 TCU graduate and, like his father, the late T. E. Tomlinson, was active lifelong in TCU affairs. The elder Tomlinson was president of the board from 1909 to 1917. Funeral services were scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Central Christian Church, Hillsboro. -
Working His Way Through College Daniel Goodspeed Finds Fellowship at TCU; Maintains High Standards by Frances Brummerhop Early in September of this year trustees of Brite College of the bible voted unanimously to admit negro students to the graduate work of the seminary, and agreed to accept negroes under the same requirements as those necessary for other students. today a 21-year-old Fort Worth Negro, Daniel Sylvester Goodspeed, is embarked on another lap of his college career that should lead him to receive the Bachelor of Divinity degree in Old Testament from Brite College in 1955. A graduate of I. M. Terrell High School in Fort Worth, the six-foot Brite junior received the Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education at Bishop College in May of this year. He also has a temporary teachers' certificate and a minor in social science. Having decided to devote his life to church work about three years ago, Goodspeed has been moving steadily toward that goal. His plans for the future were summed up by the statement: "I want to be a pastor or enter the chaplaincy in the Navy." Falling into the old American tradition of "working your way through college," he has held numerous part time and full time jobs while attending school. At Bishop College he worked as junior accountant in the business office, and during his senior year was "campus bell boy," a duty which consisted of ringing the large manual bell to call students to meals and to mark the end of classes. A member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as assistant minister of Ward's Chapel in the AME Church near the campus. Full time work as a janitor at Lone Star Gas Company in Fort Worth kept him busy during his first quarter in Brite College, and he has now a part time job doing delivery work for Kay Drug Company. Brining a "better than a B" grade average with him from Bishop College, he was awarded a scholarship by Brite College to pay one-half of his tuition. The 172 pound student is interested in other things besides studying and working. "I like to collect time-tables and read books on railroads," he confided. "Some day I hope to own a small railroad shop in my room." Daniel had planned to enter the Baptist Seminary at mid-term when he read in a Fort Worth paper that TCU had opened its seminary to Negroes. "I decided in favor of the closer fellowship of the smaller school," he explained. Having attended several chapel services and the formal convocation at the beginning of the semester, Goodspeed said he has found the fellowship he was seeking. He also plans to become a member of Hoeiletic Guild. Beginning his second quarter this week, one of the first three Negro students to enter Brite College is living up to the standarts set by the trustees who voted: "To admit Negro students . . . to work for a graduate degree. . . in the preparation for full-time church services. ". . . that such Negro students must meet the same standards and requirements for this graduate work which have to be met by all other students." -
3 Negroes Admitted to Seminary Three Negroes are among the 90 registrants of Brite College of the Bible. They are James Lee Clairborne, Daniel Goodspeed and Mrs. Vada Phillips Felder, Fort Worth students. Claiborne is a graduate of Jarvis College at Hawkins, and Goodspeed was graduated from Bishop College at Marshall. Mrs. Felder is a graduate of Wile College at Marshall and has done graduate work at the University of Chicago. This year, Brite is using the quarter system. The academic year is divided into four equal quarters, each corresponding to a half-semester in the TCU schedule. Classes run from Monday afternoon through Friday afternoon. -
Trustees Open Brite College to Negroes Trustees of Brite College of the Bible have voted unanimously to admit Negro students to the graduate work of the seminary. The trustees agreed to accept Negros under the same standards and requirements as those necessary for other students. The trustee's motion reads "To admit Negro students, who have completed their AB work at a Standard college and who meet all the requirements, to the Brite College of the Bible to work for a graduate degree or degrees in the preparation for full-time church service. "It is understood that such Negro students must meet the same standards and requirements for this graduate work which have to be met by all other students." The trustees present for voting on this matter were: Rev. L. D. Anderson of Fort Worth; Rev. Elmer Henson, Houston; Rev. Granville Walker, Fort Worth; Rev. Oliver Harrison, Corpus Christi; Douglas Tomlinson, Fort Worth and Lewis Ackers, Abilene. D. G. McFadin of Dallas and Mrs. L.C. Brite of Marfa voted in favor of the policy although they were not present at the meeting. Brite College is a graduate seminary of the Disciples of Christ Church. Students are admitted after they have completed a bachelor's degree at a recognized college or university. -
Negroes Attending TCU, Sadler Says President M. E. Sadler issued a statement Monday acknowledging the fact that Negro students have been admitted to TCU. The news release was made following a story about the students printed by a local newspaper last week. The release added that while there were "two or three soldiers" attending Evening College the practice was nothing new because colored soldiers were taught at the school during World War II. Off-campus classes have been held for a few years for the benefit of Negro public school teachers. The following is Dr. Sadler's full statement. "There has been no fundamental change in the policy of Texas Christian University concerning the admission of Negro students to our school. "For the past ten years, we have wanted to avoid any action which would cause any people to point to us and say "Texas Christian University is pioneering and pushing out in the matter of non-segregation." "At the same time, we have been anxious to meet the needs of conscientious and worthy Negroes, either as persons or as military personnel, if we could meet these needs without involving ourselves in any discussion of segregation or non-segregation. "In the furtherance of this purpose, we have provided teachers for course needed by groups of Negro public school teachers here in Fort Worth. These classes have been held in the gay street school building and have been composed entirely of Negro students. Such a class is going on at the present time. "Another way in which we are trying to meet the need at the present time, in helping a young man complete his degree requirements at Jarvis Christian College, is to organize some individual conference courses so that the Negro student can meet with the teacher and get some of the work he needs to complete his degree at Jarvis. (See "Negroes" p. 5) Negroes (continued from p. 1) "Another way in which we have in the past and are at the present time meeting the need with reference to courses for military personnel is to enroll in the course the students which the military establishments send to us. "At the present time we have two or three enlisted men from Carswell Air Base who come in with others in the military personnel to take some courses with the military contract with us to give for their men. They are sending in all 166 men "When they select these people for various educational courses, they do not check to see whether or not they are Whites or Negroes." "If the University attempts to render this service for the military establishments it does not feel it should bar any students sent in by the military to take the courses which contract with us to give." -
Lack of Enrollment Ends Negro Classes Negro classes of the Graduate School have been discontinued because of lack of enrollment, Dean A. T. DeGroot, announced. Enrollment has averaged 25 per semester. The main obstacle in maintaining a larger enrollment is the inability of the students to use the credits earned towards a TCU degree. Mrs. Lottie Hamilton, principal of the Gay Street Elementary School, contributed much to encouraging students to enroll. She has earned 30 hours under the program. Classes were held at the Gay Street School, and students could use the TCU Library. Mrs. Acklin, 83, Dies Mrs. Kate Acklin, 83, mother of Miss Pauline Acklin, circulation librarian, died Feb. 8 at Harris Hospital. -
Harris College Desegregates as 6,200 Register in the Round More than 6,200 students signed up for classes at the University last week, including the first Negro undergraduates in TCU's 90 year history. Most divisions expected increases over last fall by the end of late registration Thursday. By 9 a.m. yesterday, undergraduate day schools and colleges and the Graduate School rad passed their 1961 marks. A total of 6,277 had enrolled in all divisions The University's first undergraduate Negro students are Patsy Brown, a junior, and Mrs. Allene Jones and Mrs. Doris Ann McBride, seniors, who enrolled last Tuesday as Harris College of Nursing students. All three went through the regular registration procedure at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum said [Registrar Calvin A.] Cumbie, "There were no problems whatsoever. We didn't anticipate any." -
Photo of students standing around the TCU sign. -
THE SKIFF Tuesday, February 4, 1964 University Moves Ahead The greatest challenge of the University's 91-year history has been faced and a decision has been made. Texas Christian· University is totally integrated, from classrooms to dormitories. The policy was enacted by a recently called Board of Trustees meeting during which Chancellor M. E. Sadler said, “I am convinced that an members of this Board share a common view in one respect -- that in the sight of God and the law of our land, all men, all races share equal rights." For most, this decision 1brings mixed emotions, tom between traditional beliefs and the feeling of what is right and just. The policy1s 'adoption heralds a soul-searching conflict between what one is accustomed to and what one believes to be a moral obligation. The integration problem -has been at hand for many years, according to Amos Melton, assistant chancellor. Brite Divinity School dropped racial bars more than 15 years ago and during World War II Negroes attended specialized Evening College classes upon request of nearby military installations. Harris College of Nursing opened its doors to junior and senior students two years· ago, urged by a need for local Negro nurses. Negroes from both Brite and Harris have been, permitted in undergraduate classes to fulfill deficiencies. Mr. Melton noted that the Board of Trustees for some time has been under "urging" to drop racial bars but that the Board has not permitted outside urging to drive it into any quick action on the problem. Integration, indeed, is a delicate area. And, for some trustees, it is a very touchy subject. Acknowledging the less than-unanimous passage of the integration proposal by trustees, Mr. Melton said, "Some wonderful people think this is bad for TCU." The move has been made-all races have an opportunity for learning here. Equality cannot be bad for TCU. Students and faculty alike have expressed a desire for this action. The administration now ·has to guide the program to fulfillment. An obstacle to the University's greatness has been hurdled and TCU now moves ahead. -
The Skiff, Friday, February 5, 1972 Walkout Spurs Black Outcry by Johnny Livengood, Greg Burden and George Stone Voluntary withdrawl of four black athletes from the University's grid squad Thursday triggered a chain of demands by black students generally. The four players are Larry Dibbles, Hodges Mitchell, Raymond Rhodes, and Ervin Garnett. They officially removed themselves from the team Wednesday. Underlying the statement released at a 9 a.m. press conference was the charge of racist attitudes among general and athletic administrations of the University. In a meeting Wednesday night at Clark Dormitory blacks, led by Eddie Miles and SAAC president Franklin Callaway, determined now was the time for action in fighting institutionalized racism as well as writing the demands for the press conference the next morning. The students discussed inadequacies of the recruiting systems for blacks and a black studies program. After the decisions were made their previous nervousness changed to a calm strength coming from their commitment. During the writing of the press release, they joked about Coach Jim Pittman, Dr. J.M. Moudy, and the possibilities of being thrown out of school for their actions. General Denial First, they denied that the black athletes left, as Pittman claimed, because of inadequate social life and that the reasons are based on the policy changes and dress codes. Second, they charged discrimination against Jennifer Giddings, 1970 Homecoming Queen. The blacks charge she was purposely excluded from Cotton Bowl activities in which she was entitled to participate. A formal public apology, to be printed in the 1971 edition of the Horned Frog on an entire page across from the Queen's picture, was demanded. Because of the unique problems related to blackness the students also demanded that a black minister and black psychologist be hired to handle these problems and that more black professors be hired for more relevant teaching. They feel the exposure would also be educational for the white students as well. A full investigation of the denial of the enrollment of Jimmie Leach was also demanded. Because they feel that Leach was denied under questionable circumstances they want to determine if discrimination has taken (continued on page 8) Photo caption: At Thursday's Press Conference Frank Callaway, Larry Dibbles, Jennifer Giddings, and Eddie Miles answered reporter's questions. -
Photo of Vada Phillips Felder, 1954 Horned Frog yearbook. -
Photo of Allene Jones registering for classes at TCU, 1963 Horned Frog yearbook -
Photo of Patsy Ruth Brown, 1963 Horned Frog yearbook. -
Photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. with Vada Phillips Felder and others in Fort Worth, TX. -
Photo of Ronnie Hurdle, TCU cheerleader, from 1969 Horned Frog. -
THE SKIFF Tuesday, February 1971 Most·Pleas Were Reasonable "To communicate is the beginning of understanding," was spread across the bottom of an ad in last Friday's Skiff. The appearance of the ad was quite ironic considering the events which have recently transpired. Lack of communications seems to have definitely been a contributing factor in last week's protest by black students. Although some members of the administration have made efforts to understand some of the special problems and frustrations of the black students, the administration was caught by surprise by the extent of black student frustrations and the steps they felt compelled to take to voice their complaints. The fact that most black students on campus were not happy with the attempts at providing some black studies courses and the lack of black adult faculty or staff members with whom problems could be discussed has been common knowledge among many students for quite some time. The fact that this was not known by administration officials and that no steps were taken to avert the resulting incident underscores the problem of communication-perhaps on both sides. Reasonable Proposals The black student demands contained several proposals which are more than reasonable, and should have already been instituted. Other demands underscore their lack of communication with certain principals and a lack of research. The demand for a black minister is justifiable. There are more than 120 blacks on campus with no black minister. At the same time there is, a Christian Science, minister with only 29 students who are Christian Scientists. Most black religious denominations are separated or excluded from the larger white denominations-therefore a black minister is needed. The problem of black professors is a difficult one to solve. Chancellor Moudy says that TCU seeks professors with no prejudice given to sex or ethnic background. · This may be true, but some thought must be given to the idea of seeking black professors—especially for black studies courses. The black professors now employed are never seen and not involved- in the mainstream of the -campus. It would be advantageous for black students to have black adults to talk to and identify with. In their statement, the black students demanded, immediate actions by the administration in developing a relevant and reasonable selection of black-oriented courses. Chancellor Moudy was quoted in the Star-Telegram as saying that TCU has taken steps in this direction and is doing well. The courses mentioned by Dr. Moudy have been here for two years-and there is still no minor offered in black studies. Expediency Necessary We understand that such a program may be proposed in the near future, but at this time we think that expediency is necessary. Besides, those black-related courses now being offered, it might be practical -to initiate some African history and art courses. As for the negative side of the ledger, the charge of blatant racism in the alleged exclusion of Jennifer Giddings from the Cotton Bowl parade was a mistake. This goof marred the overall presentation of the black students, and reveals a failure on their part in the channeling of communications. This mistake, however should not negate the other justifiable proposals. A mere acceptance of rejection of the proposals by the black students will not heal the wounds. Administrative officials all the way up to the Chancellor should meet with black representatives and communicate, therefore gaining insights into the situation which they are presently lacking. An aloofness by the administration was mainly responsible for the unrest at Columbia and other universities in recent years. To communicate is the beginning of understanding, and only by communication can we be aware of the problems of others and work together to solve them. -J.L. Eruption Reveals Differences by Steve Walters, Contributing Editor It is a sad statement to say that one person thinks one way because he is white and another differently because he is black, but it seems to be true. The black in America is undergoing a struggle to find himself in a white world. He must overcome obstacles that no white, no matter how understanding, will ever fully comprehend. This is a part of the reason that the fundamental thinking of a black and a white is different. For this reason the press conference which took place on the TCU campus last week was probably necessary for the blacks who took part in it. Many of the conservative whites on campus resented their action, and even some moderates at first were harsh to judge their motives. However, to place them in the correct perspective is the key to understanding. The black student who hears that four black athletes are quitting the football team immediately thinks race can be the only possible reason. This seemed to be the view held by the black student leaders who ran the show at the press conference. Slap at Blacks It was indicated clearly in statements made by the leaders that they felt making a rule about beards and moustaches was a slap at the blacks on the team. They chose to ignore the fact that the dress code set up by Coach Jim Pittman also included a restriction on hair length and that all football players were to wear socks and belts. This affected more than just the black players on the team and they should have known this. The blacks also chose to ignore the fact that none of the players involved in the incident ever has said publicly that racial attitudes of the new coaches had anything to do with their leaving TCU. Still, the idea of racism persisted with them because of their past experiences. The incident concerning Jennifer Giddings and the Cotton Bowl activities is another example of the black assuming the worst in a situation involving one of his own. The leaders of the students and Miss Giddings, herself, admitted after charging discrimination on the part of TCU, that they did not know why she was not the one to represent the University in the Cotton Bowl. Apparently they never made an attempt to find out why either. They simply assumed the worst. The black students cannot be blamed entirely for making these assumptions because any race which has endured as much intolerance and discrimination as the black race would undoubtedly have come to similar conclusions. Possibly some good will come from the entire situation. First of all, the press conference brought to light to the other students on campus some of the feelings of the blacks at TCU. Their call for a black campus minister, a black phychologist, and more black professors is understandable, and their reasons are certainly worthwhile. Also their call for more black-oriented courses is one that should be heard. The administrators of TCU will hopefully move quickly and effectively to show TCU that they are willing to listen to demands from any segment of the University community, even though they may have come in an unorthodox form. -
Yearbook photo of Jennifer Giddings, TCU homecoming queen, 1971 Horned Frog -
Photograph of Gay Street School, Fort Worth, TX -
Yearbook photo of Doris Ann McBride, 1963 Horned Frog -
Brite Divinity School student James Lee Claiborne. -
Photo of TCU basketball player, James Cash, was the first African-American to participate in the Southwest Conference in 1966.