Post by CMBG3 Law

In continuation of CMBG3's honoring of Black History Month, today we remember Autherine Lucy, who on this day in 1956 became the first African American ever admitted to a white public school or university in the state of Alabama. Lucy applied to the University of Alabama in 1952, but their admission was rescinded when it was discovered that she was African American. It took three years and the help of the NAACP to win a court order to allow Lucy to enroll in the university, which she did on February 3, 1952. Despite being enrolled, Lucy was barred from all dormitories and dining halls due to her color. Three days later, riots broke out on campus due to Lucy's enrollment, with over a thousand men pelting the car that transported her between classes. Lucy was suspended by the university, which cited safety concerns. Lucy and the NAACP won a victory in the federal court to force the university to reinstate Lucy. The university did, but permanently suspended her shortly thereafter, claiming that her lawsuit slandered the university. It was not until 36 years later, in 1988, that the University of Alabama officially annulled Lucy's expulsion. Lucy enrolled in the university's Masters program and received her degree in 1992.