The James Meredith Case
History: KS3, topic 21.1.9
The James Meredith Case 1962
The University of Mississippi had rejected James Meredith in 1961 but was ordered by Supreme Court to admit him in 1962 as the NAACP argued he was rejected because he was black.
University of Mississippi
- James Meredith was a black student who applied to study at the University of Mississippi in 1961.
- The University of Mississippi rejected Meredith's application but was ordered by Supreme Court to admit him in 1962 as the NAACP argued he was rejected because he was black.
- His rejection was a clear violation of the previous ruling in favour of the desegregation of education as a result of Brown v. Topeka.
WCC
- The Governor of Mississippi and University officials ignored the order and physically stopped him from registering.
- They were members of the white supremacist WCC.
Mob attack
- 500 federal officials were sent to protect Meredith while registering.
- President Kennedy appealed for calm on TV and radio, but a 3,000-man mob attacked the federal officials.
Causalities
- 2 civilians died in the clashes.
- 375 civilians were injured.
- 28 federal officials were shot by the mob.
Federal troops
- Federal troops were sent in to stop the riots and guarded James all year as he continued his studies.
Test yourself on The James Meredith Case
How many federal troops were sent to protect James Meredith while registering for the University of Mississippi?
Which university rejected James Meredith in 1961?