On the Treatment of the Little Rock Nine

Mr. Roy Wilkins
20 West 40th Street
New York, N.Y.

Dear Mr. Wilkins:

Conditions are yet pretty rough in the school for the children. Last
week, Minnie Jean's mother, Mrs. W. B. Brown, asked me to go over to
the school with her for a conference with the principal, and the two
assistant principals. Subject of conference:"Firmer disciplinary
measures, and the withdrawal of Minnie Jean from the glee club's
Christmas program." The principal had informed Minnie Jean in with-
drawing her from the program that "When it is definitely decided that
Negroes will go to school here with the whites, and the troops are
removed, then you will be able to participate in all activities." We
strongly challenged this statement, which he denied making in that
fashion.

We also pointed out that the treatment of the children had been getting
steadily worse for the last two weeks in the form of kicking, spitting,
and general abuse. As a result of our visit, stronger measures are
being taken against the white students who are guilty of committing
these offenses. For instance, a boy who had been suspended for two
weeks, flunked both six -weeks tests, and on his return to school, the
first day he knocked Gloria Ray into her locker. As a result of our
visit, he was given an indefinite suspension.

The superintendent of schools also requested a conference the same
afternoon. Clarence and I went down and spent about two hours. Here,
again we pointed out that a three-day suspension given Hugh Williams for
a sneak attack perpetrated on one of the Negro boys which knocked
him out, and required a doctor's attention, was not sufficient punishment.
We also informed him that our investigation revealed that there were
many pupils willing to help if given the opportunity, and that Presi-
dent Eisenhower was very much concerned about the Little Rock crisis.
Ha has stated his willingness to come down and address the student body
if invited by student leaders of the school. This information was
passed on to the principals/of the school, but we have not been assured
that leadership would be given to children in the school who are
to organize for law and order. However, we have not abandoned the
idea. Last Friday, the 13th, I was asked to call Washington and see
if we could get FBI men placed in the school December 16-18.

2. WILKINS

Thanks for sending Clarence to help. I don't know how I would have
made it without him. I am enclosing a financial statement, and as you
can see, we are in pretty bad shape financially, On December 18, we
will probably have to make bond for three of our officials from the
Nort Little Rock Branch. December 18, midnight, is the deadline for
filing names and addresses of members and contributors. I have talked
with Mrs.Birdie Williams, and we are attempting to have them spend the
night away from their homes, because we have been informed that they
plan to arrest them after midnite.

I am suggesting that a revolving fund be set up here of $1,000.00 to
take care of emergencies, and an accounting could be given at the end
of each month. We are having trouble getting cost bonds executed on
the North Little Rock suit. We had to put up $510.00 collateral plus
three co-sizners. We informed Bob Carter of our difficulty, and he
asked Jack to see what could be done on that end. Please check with
him.

I have not heard anything from the scholarship trust papers. We have
deposited the money received for the scholarship. Mrs. A. L. Mothershed,
1313 Chester street, mother of one of the children, is serving as
trustee.

I would appreciate hearing from you pertaining to the above mentioned
matters at your earliest convenience.

I plan to attend the board meeting on January 6.

Sincerely,
 

Daisy Bates