James Meredith's Letter To The University Of Mississippi

James Meredith, an African American student, was accepted into the University of Mississippi in the early year of 1962. After the realization of Meredith being African American, his acceptance was rejected immediately. During the year of 1962, Mississippi was still moving away from the segregation era. In order for Meredith to be accepted into the University of Mississippi, the Supreme Court would have to make a direct order to do so. James Meredith, was not welcomed by the state of Mississippi nor the students of the University. James Meredith, despite the hatred he received, attended the University of Mississippi.

In 1961, James Meredith wrote a letter to the U.S. Justice Department, declaring how his rights and freedom should be expressed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my friends and fellow Mississippians: I speak to you as your Governor in a solemn hour in the history of our great state and in our nation 's history. I speak to you now in the moment of our greatest crisis since the War Between the States.” (Doc. 2) Governor Barnett compares the war between states to the acceptance of James Meredith into the University of Mississippi. He believes an African American being accepted into a white University is as big of a crisis as a War. “They will never submit to the moral degradation, to the shame and the ruin which have faced all others who have lacked the courage to defend their beliefs. I have made my position in this matter crystal clear. I have said in every county in Mississippi that no school in our state will be integrated while I am your Governor.” (Doc 2) The Governor claims as long as he is the governor the state’s University will continue to be segregated. The state of Mississippi did not want Meredith attending the University because they compared it to moral degradation. They believed having an African American student was shameful. Not only did the state of Mississippi disagree, but the students of the university disagreed also. The Rebel Underground submitted a letter stating, “This attack upon our state involves much more than the simple admission of one Negro to Ole Miss. Meredith’s registration is only the

Even though, he gained acceptance the war was not over. He continuously faced discrimination, hatred, cruelty, and racism. On September 5, 1963, Meredith wrote a letter to General Robert Kennedy. “Today regardless of all other considerations, I am a graduate of the University of Mississippi…was it worth the cost? Were the United States Marshals and other security forces needed or necessary?... I say to you that the cold-blooded murder of one of my best and most beloved friends…Mr. Medgar Evers…is documentary proof of the wisdom of your office to provide adequate protection for my life, property, and family…” (Doc 5) Meredith had to have protective security with him throughout his entire time at the University due to the fact he was number one on the murder list of many Mississippians due to him desegregating the