In September 1962, James Meredith’s attempt to register at the University of Mississippi triggered a bloody riot. When his application was rejected, his case was taken to federal court. Throughout the summer, Meredith won repeated appeals. By September, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals demanded Meredith’s admission. Governor Ross Barnett invoked a long-discredited doctrine—“interposition”— claiming the state’s right to ignore federal actions it deemed unconstitutional.
Pictured: A black and white photograph of James Meredith walking with attorney Constance Baker Motley leaving the federal court building in New Orleans. The pair are followed by protesters with a sign that reads: “Gov. Barnett Hold Firm!! No Compromise!! No Submission to Blackmail By U.S. Department of Justice,” written in black marker on a white board.
Credit: Bettman Collection/Getty Images
