The James Meredith case (1962)
I can describe the case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.
The James Meredith case (1962)
I can describe the case of James Meredith and explain the significance of Kennedy's role.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After the Brown v. Topeka ruling, many universities were slow to desegregate in the south - if at all.
- James Meredith had tried several times to enrol at the University of Mississippi, with no success.
- With the support of President Kennedy, James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1962.
- Federal intervention in the James Meredith case led to the 'Battle of Oxford'.
- Despite continued resistance across the south, federal intervention showed that attitudes were changing.
Common misconception
US presidents would only use federal intervention when pressured by the media.
Kennedy marked a change in the involvement of the president, as he was not pressured by the media to use federal intervention to support Meredith. Unlike in Little Rock, Kennedy's support came before the outbreak of violence from white Americans.
Keywords
Enrol - to enrol means to officially register as a student on a university course
Content guidance
- Contains depictions of discriminatory behaviour.
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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