Letter, President Dwight D. Eisenhower to South Carolina Governor James Byrnes Stating His Views on School Segregation

Denver, Colorado August 14, 1953 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTLAL Dear Jimmy: As you know, I have been thinking of the whole field of equality of opportunity. Since our recent lunch together at which we discussed the pending "School Segregation case, it has scarcely been absent from my mind. I think that it is incumbent upon people who honestly believe in the power of leadership, education, example, and acceptance of clear official responsibility to show constant progress in the direction of complete justice. We who hold office not only must discharge the duties placed upon us by the constitution and by conscience, but also must, by constructive advances, prove to be mistaken those who insist that true reforms can come only through overriding Federal law and Federal police methods. As I observed to you, I feel that my oath of office, as well as my own convictions, requires me to eliminate discrimination within the definite areas of Federal responsibility. You replied to the effect: You can do no less. There is one of these areas of Federal responsibility where my efforts may run counter to customs in some States. This is the area involved in the non-discrimination" clauses in Federal contracts. 20 In presenting my views to you on this particular matter, 1 am keeping in mind the whole scope of our conversation, On the basis of that discussion, I am hopeful not only that we may reach fruitful understanding in this matter but also that, in so doing, it can be shown that progress does not depend on Federal fiat.