School Desegregation and U.S. Presidents: How the Role of the Bully Pulpit Affected Their Decisions

The Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, decision of 1954 sparked fierce opposition to dismantling the legally sanctioned dual system of public schooling in the United States. President's School Desegregation and US Presidents examine how seven Presidents used their bully pulpit to advance or stall progress in desegregating schools, providing examples of their voices through speeches, press coverage, and excerpts with cabinet members and civil rights leaders.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, decision of 1954 sparked fierce and ongoing resistance to dismantling the legally sanctioned dual system of public schooling in the United States. Extensive literature exists that delves into the various actions taken by the courts, the federal government's legislative actions, and the actions of local politicians and school districts in addressing the challenges posed during the transition from a legalized racially segregated system to a nationally integrated school system.

School Desegregation and US Presidents take a unique perspective on the nation's efforts to implement the landmark decision. It explores how seven Presidents utilized their bully pulpit to provide leadership in resolving the issues related to the implementation of Brown's mandates. The book examines how each President exercised their symbolic and political powers to advance or stall progress in desegregating the country's schools.

To provide a deeper understanding of the Presidents' roles, significant examples of their voices are presented through excerpts of their speeches, press coverage, and interactions with cabinet members, other administration officials, and civil rights leaders. These excerpts offer a glimpse into the thoughts, intentions, and strategies employed by each President in their efforts to shape the course of school desegregation in the United States.

By examining the bully pulpit of these seven Presidents, School Desegregation and US Presidents sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the civil rights movement and the significant impact that presidential leadership had on shaping the course of history. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the historical significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in education.

Weight: 463g
Dimension: 238 x 158 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475871357