Integration At Davidson

This is a recent photo of Nzongola-ntalaja, the first African student to attend Davidson.

    Integration was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's.  The movement carried over into many areas including education.  One huge issue being addressed was desegregation of schools.  Davidson College, based in the Presbyterian Church, was segregated at the start of this movement and faced the dilemma of deciding whether or not to desegregate its campus and open its doors to colored students.  This was not an easy task considering that Davidson was located in the south and was surrounded by former plantations.  Once the decision was made, there were varied reactions from all different faucets of Davidson. 

    On June 9, 1961, the 67^th vote was cast.  Once tallied the results were 53 to 14, the faculty were in favor of integration.  On January 10, 1961 a letter was sent to the board of trustees informing them of the results.  The first steps to integration had finally reached the Davidson campus.  But this was merely the start in the long process of creating diversity.  There was no one method in making integration an acceptable policy.  The different reactions from the students, faculty, alumni, and the surrounding community persuaded and deterred the actions of the administrators. 

   Davidson received many different responses based on their decision.  The student body was divided in half when deciding if integration was a good idea.  Some of the students opposed integration while others embraced it.  The some black students felt isolated from the Davidson community once on campus.  The majority of the faculty saw a need for diversity in the community and let their vote reflect that.  As a result of admitting students of color, they also began to campaign for a more diverse faculty.  The community had an array of reactions to the notion of integration.  There were many who praised the decision and others who condemned the school for integrating.  The decision of the school split alumni support.  After hearing the verdict some chose to terminate their financial relationship with their alma mater.  Others sent letters of approval. 

Contact us at licollins@davidson.edu, vayoung@davidson.edu, frjones@davidson.edu, or brzeigler@davidson.edu

© 2001 Davidson College | Davidson, NC 28035 | Phone: 704.894.2000

For questions about the project, contact Shireen Campbell