On September 30, 1962, President John F. Kennedy took a bold step by sending the Mississippi National Guard and U.S. Army troops to the University of Mississippi. This decision came in response to a violent uprising sparked by the admission of James Meredith, the school’s first black student. The situation was tense, and Kennedy felt it was necessary to intervene to uphold the law and protect Meredith.
At that time, several prominent politicians were young adults. Nancy Pelosi was 22, Bernie Sanders was 21, and Joe Biden and Congresswoman Rose DeLauro were both 19. They all lived through this significant moment in American history. However, it seems that none of them have drawn parallels between Kennedy’s actions and more recent interventions by President Trump.
Kennedy’s intervention was not just about maintaining order; it was a response to a Supreme Court ruling that mandated the integration of public schools. Despite its legitimacy, Kennedy’s decision was met with widespread disapproval in Mississippi. Local leaders, including Governor Ross Barnett, were unwilling to enforce the law, fearing backlash from their constituents.
On the eve of Meredith’s arrival, Barnett incited the crowd at a football game, urging them to resist federal intervention. This rallying cry led to chaos the next day, as thousands gathered at the university, confronting federal agents. The local authorities withdrew their support, leaving the federal agents vulnerable. The situation escalated into violence, with rioters attacking federal officers and causing destruction on campus.
In response to the growing unrest, President Kennedy invoked the Insurrection Act of 1807, allowing him to send in federal troops to restore order. Unlike Trump, who had federal resources at his disposal, Kennedy had to rely on the National Guard and federal agents who were not fully prepared for the violence they faced.
As the night wore on, the situation became increasingly dangerous. Rioters used rocks, Molotov cocktails, and firearms against federal agents, resulting in injuries and even fatalities. Ultimately, about 13,000 troops were deployed to help quell the violence and protect Meredith.
The National Guard, composed of local men, faced a difficult task as they confronted their friends and neighbors. Many had doubts about whether they would show up when called, but they did, proving crucial in preventing the rioters from overwhelming the federal forces.
Kennedy’s actions that day were significant not only for their immediate impact but also for the message they sent about federal authority and civil rights. The events at the University of Mississippi are a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and the lengths to which leaders must go to uphold the law in the face of resistance.
James Meredith’s journey didn’t end with his admission to Ole Miss. He went on to become involved in politics and has often been overlooked for his contributions to civil rights. His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of race relations in America.