James Meredith Case, 1961

What was the James Meredith case?

In 1961, the University of Mississippi rejected James Meredith as a student. The following year, the Supreme Court ordered he should be admitted after the NAACP successfully argued he had been rejected because he was black.

Who was James Meredith in the famous Supreme Court case?

James Meredith was an African American who was refused a place at Mississippi University.

How did the Mississippi government react to the James Meredith case?

Both the state government and university officials ignored the court ruling and instead physically prevented James Meredith from registering as a student.

How did the federal government try to help after the James Meredith case?

The federal government tried to help in 2 ways:

• ❖ James Meredith was protected by 500 federal officials while he registered.
• ❖ President John F Kennedy made appeals for calm on television and radio.

What happened when James tried to register after the James Meredith case?

A 3,000-strong mob attacked the federal officials and shot 28 of them. Two civilians died and a further 375 were injured as a result of the riots.

How did the riots caused by the James Meredith case end ?

Federal troops were sent in to bring a halt to the disruption and also assigned to protect James Meredith for the whole year.

Why was the James Meredith case significant?

It forced the President to enforce a Supreme Court ruling, which meant black students were rarely stopped from attending integrated universities.