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

by Laruth H. Gray (Author)

The Supreme Court's Brown v Board of Education of Topeka Kansas decision of 1954 yielded unwavering and contentious mass resistance to dismantling the legally sanctioned dual system of public schooling in the United States. Extensive literature exists that focuses on the action of the courts, legislative actions of the federal government, and actions of local politicians and school districts addressing the challenges posed in transitioning from a legalized racially segregated system to a nationally integrated school system. School Desegregation and US Presidents chronicle a different look at the nation's attempt to address the landmark decision...THE POWER OF THE PRESIDENCY...Receiving short shrift in the literature has been the use and effect of the" bully pulpit" of seven Presidents providing leadership to resolve those issues related to the implementation of the mandates of Brown. It examines how the various symbolic and political powers of each President were exercised to advance or stall progress in desegregating the country's schools. Words matter! In accessing the bully pulpits of each of the Presidents, significant examples of their voices are provided through excerpts of their speeches, press coverage, and excerpts with cabinet members or other administration officials and civil rights leaders.

Author Biography

LaRuth H. Gray dedicates herself to improving the quality of education, the quality of life for children(particularly those of vulnerable populations), and social issues that address equity and opportunity. Retired Deputy Director to Pedro Noguera of NYU"s Steinhardt's School of Education's Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools, Gray is also a retired Superintendent of Schools in Westchester County, NY