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November 24, 2024

Massive Resistance

U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd’s political organization dominated political life in Virginia through a network of political and courthouse connections, known as the Byrd machine. It jumpstarts “massive resistance,” a group of laws and political strategy used to thwart integration efforts.

A brochure of the Charlottesville Educational Foundation describes what the foundation is, its history, and several items stating why someone should support the CEF. Of note, the first item says it will provide freedom of choice, and the second states that the availability of good private schools, operated on a racially segregated basis, would contribute to the tranquility of the community.

One such strategy involved the creation of foundations to support segregated, white private schools, so as to avoid integration. Pictured is a brochure for the Charlottesville Educational Foundation, 1958, purporting “freedom of choice.”

Image source: Library of Virginia

Kathy Mendes

kathy@thecommonwealthinstitute.org

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