The Ohio Daily Express

Bias Breaking Down In Higher Education

NEW YORK (ANP) Dr. Alonzo F. Myers of the New York university faculty, reports in the May issue of Survey magazine that it is his conviction "segregation in higher education is beginning to break down . . (and) of course, I believe it should."

The chairman of the university's department of higher Education in the School of Education, based his statement upon personal impressions gained while on his 1948-49 sabbatical leave from the university. He visited nearly 100 colleges and universities in all sections of the country in what he described as a "matter of choice with me."

He said a large proportion of graduate students at the university are Negroes - - most of whom teach in colleges for Negroes or plan to do so, many of whom graduated from segregated institutions He felt he could work more effectively with them if he knew more about these colleges.

Although he found that barriers to higher education were being lowered for Negroes, he added. I also believe that certain fundamental changes in attitude toward Negroes must take place concurrently."

"I observed, for example, that many Negro young people from the North were enrolled in southern colleges. I asked a number . . why they were there. Generally they replied they felt more comfortable and more welcome than in the northern non-segregated colleges. Some told me they had a
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HIGHER EDUCATION
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better chance to take part in campus activities and to develop whatever leadership talents they possessed.
The breakdown of segregation is primarily in graduate and professional work, with the first inroads being made in the border states. There has been some activity toward that end farther South.
Dr. Myers believes that "segregation is perpetuated today primarily by older people who have been thoroughly indoctrinated, and by politicians who have a vested interest in it.
"From first-hand evidence, I know that in many southern colleges and universities, faculty and students would welcome the change," Dr. Myers said, "and I am convinced that powerful forces in the South are working effectively to end segregation in higher education."