Even so, the court retained jurisdiction of the case in order to provide the student with equal protection of the laws with regard to his education. Plessy v. Ferguson was a case decided by the Supreme Court in 1896 that said segregation was constitutional as long as the separate facilities provided were of equal standard. 87 F. Supp. Their own education and development will necessarily suffer to the extent that his training is unequal to that of his classmates. However, the facilities and services used by African Americans were not equal to those of white Americans. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. The result is that appellant is handicapped in his pursuit of effective graduate instruction. Learn about the court case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents with a summary and case brief. McLAURIN v. OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER (c) Having been admitted to a state-supported graduate school, appellant must receive the same treatment at the hands of the State as students of other races. McLaurin v. Okla. State Regents for Higher Educ. | Case Brief for Sweatt v. Painter | law case | Britannica 851, 339 U.S. 637, 94 L.Ed. WebMcLaurin v Oklahoma showed how the "separate but equal" provision can still be manipulated in a way that discriminates against individuals on the basis of race. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950) was a case regarding higher education that was decided by the United States Supreme Court saying that colleges The Supreme Court also held that officials at the University of Oklahoma had violated the plaintiffs right to equal protection of the laws by denying him an education that was equal to that of his peers. U.S. Supreme CourtMcLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950), McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. It may be argued that appellant will be in no better position when these restrictions are removed, for he may still be set apart by his fellow students. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. [1] The unanimous decision was delivered on the same day as another case involving similar issues, Sweatt v. Painter. 638-642. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. It further held that to the extent the Oklahoma statutes denied him admission they were unconstitutional and void. We hold that under these circumstances the Fourteenth Amendment precludes differences in treatment by the state based upon race. In a unanimous decision authored by Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson, the Supreme Court reversed the lower courts decision. WebIn 1948, George McLaurin applied to the University of Oklahoma's master's degree program in education. Different treatment of students in public institutions of higher learning solely on the basis of race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents helped to abolish this policy, specifically in colleges and universities. A Black individual was admitted to the graduate school at the University of Oklahoma to pursue a doctorate in education. Those who will come under his guidance and influence must be directly affected by the education he receives. 87 F. Supp. 1149 *637 **852 McLaurin filed suit in federal court in Oklahoma City. In McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, supra, the Court, in requiring that a Negro admitted to a white graduate school be treated like all other students, again resorted to intangible considerations: " his ability to study, to engage in discussions and exchange views with other students, and, in general, to learn his profession.". We hold that under these circumstances the Fourteenth Amendment precludes differences in treatment by the state based upon race. These restrictions were obviously imposed in order to comply, as nearly as could be, with the statutory requirements of Oklahoma. 638-642. During the time between the students filing of his appeal and the Supreme Courts having conducted oral arguments, university officials modified their treatment of the plaintiff. Appellant filed a complaint requesting injunctive relief, alleging that the action of the school authorities and the statutes upon which their action was based were unconstitutional and deprived him [339 U.S. 637, 639] of the equal protection of the laws. 1149 (1950), the African-American plaintiff was a graduate student who claimed he had been denied equal educational opportunities because he was required to sit in special seats or at a special table designated for African-Americans. Those who will come under his guidance and influence must be directly affected by the education he receives. 1149], the Court, in requiring that a Negro admitted to a white graduate school be treated like all other students, again resorted to intangible considerations: " his ability to study, to engage in discussions and exchange views with other students, and, in general, to learn his profession.". In McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 339 U.S. 637, 70 S.Ct. 20 0 obj <> endobj xref 20 27 0000000016 00000 n McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents is a case that was decided on June 5, 1950, by the United States Supreme Court holding that a state cannot treat a student differently on the basis of race. But at the very least, the state will not be depriving appellant of the opportunity to secure acceptance by his fellow students on his own merits. WebThis case and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637, 70 S.Ct. HM0O0wz,['+hQ#H pt}~es9p~(/W3&5YfqL4Q7F:6[QcsWP\~)gLBsDhjB`9L[{kNu2[/(DSm:o_zX?aEEn^)}UXR}2 wF%. [2], Oral argument was held between April 3, 1950, and April 4, 1950. [1], Our society grows increasingly complex, and our need for trained leaders increases correspondingly. WebG.W. McLAURINv.OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION et al. McLaurin returned to the U.S. District court and petitioned to require the University of Oklahoma to remove the separate facilities allowing him to interact with the other students fully (87 F. Supp. 851, present different aspects of this general question: To what extent does the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment limit the power of a state to distinguish between students of different races in professional and graduate education in a state university? All rights reserved. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950), was a United States Supreme Court case that prohibited racial segregation in state supported graduate or professional education. The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program. [ Footnote 1 ] The amendment adds the following proviso to each of the sections relating to mixed schools: Provided, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to programs of instruction leading to a particular degree given at State owned or operated colleges or institutions of higher education of this State established for and/or used by the white race, where such programs of instruction leading to a particular degree are not given at colleges or institutions of higher education of this State established for and/or used by the colored race; provided further, that said programs of instruction leading to a particular degree shall be given at such colleges or institutions of higher education upon a segregated basis. 70 Okla. Stat. In this case, we are faced with the question whether a state may, after admitting a student to graduate instruction in its state university, afford him different treatment from other students solely because of his race. On appeal, the Supreme Court focused on the question of whether officials could treat a student at a state university differently from other students based solely on his race. He is now assigned to a seat in the classroom in a row specified for colored students; he is assigned to a table in the library on the main floor; and he is permitted to eat at the same time in the cafeteria as other students, although here again he is assigned to a special table. Xi Gaines v. Canada, 1938, 305 U.S. 337, 59 S.Ct. Oklahoma Historical Society800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 | 405-521-2491Site Index | Contact Us | Privacy | Press Room | Website Inquiries, Get Updates in Your Inbox Keep up to date with our weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. At the time, an Oklahoma law made it a misdemeanor to operate, teach at, or attend an educational institution that admitted both white and black students. The decision in this case was made in conjunction with Sweatt v. Painter and later influenced the decision in Brown v. Board of Education.[1]. But at the very least, the state will not be depriving appellant of the opportunity [339 U.S. 637, 642] to secure acceptance by his fellow students on his own merits. The school authorities were required to exclude him by the Oklahoma statutes, 70 Okl.Stat. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950). v Appellant, a Negro citizen of Oklahoma possessing a master's degree, was admitted to the Graduate School of the state supported University of Oklahoma as a candidate for a doctorate in education and was permitted to use the same classroom, library and cafeteria as white students. 208 (1938);, Full title:McLAURIN v . By segregating him, he was unable to engage in discussions and share his viewpoints, and these restrictions made it difficult to work and learn. 526; 1948 U.S. Policy: Christopher Nelson Caitlin Styrsky Molly Byrne Jimmy McAllister Samuel Postell P. 641. 0000062723 00000 n Those who will come under his guidance and influence must be directly affected by the education he receives. WebMcLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents Download PDF Check Treatment Summary holding that a state sponsored graduate school's disparate treatment of an admitted black MR. CHIEF JUSTICE VINSON delivered the opinion of the Court. In McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950), the Court entertained an appeal from the judgment of a three-judge District Court upholding an Oklahoma statute providing that Negroes, though admissible to white graduate schools, must get that education on a segregated basis. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher US Supreme Court Opinions and Cases | FindLaw Since McLauren did not have access to this aspect of his education, he was being denied an equal education to that of his peers. 848. P. 339 U. S. 641. Mendez v. Westminster Court Ruling Therefore, the Court ruled that higher institutions such as colleges and universities were prohibited from practicing segregation, as it violated equal protection in an educational setting. 526 (1948) McLAURIN v. OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION et al. 851, 94 L.Ed. This appeal followed. The case concerned a Black student who was treated differently than white students after being admitted to the graduate school at the University of Oklahoma. The case McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents began when the University of Oklahoma denied George McLaurin into its graduate program because of his race. The litigation in McLaurin began to take shape when George W. McLaurin, an African American student with a masters degree, applied for admission to the University of Oklahoma in pursuit of a doctorate in education but was denied entry solely because of his race. Pursuant to a requirement of state law that the instruction of Negroes in institutions of higher education be "upon a segregated basis," however, he was assigned to a seat in the classroom in a row specified for Negro students, was assigned to a special table in the library, and, although permitted to eat in the cafeteria at the same time as other students, was assigned to a special table there. McLaurin had to sit at a separate table in classrooms, the library, and the cafeteria. Eventually, McLaurin won admittance to the school, but the fight was far from over. 528. The proceedings below are stated in the opinion. Held: The conditions under which appellant is required to receive his education deprive him of his personal and present right to the equal protection of the laws; and the Fourteenth Amendment precludes such differences in treatment by the State based upon race. His opinion for the court in 1947 upheld the power of the federal courts to enjoin a strike in coal mines then under control of the federal government. State-imposed restrictions which produce such inequalities cannot be sustained. Shelley v. Kraemer, 1948, 334 U.S. 1, 13-14, 68 S.Ct. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 339 U.S. 637. McLaurin uses the same classroom, library and cafeteria as students of other races; there is no indication that the seats to which he is assigned in these rooms have any disadvantage [339 U.S. 637, 641] of location. McLaurin uses the same classroom, library and cafeteria as students of other races; there is no indication that the seats to which he is assigned in these rooms have any disadvantage of location. Appellant is a Negro citizen of Oklahoma. We conclude that the conditions under which this appellant is required to receive his education deprive him of his personal and present right to the equal protection of the laws. The plaintiff, George W. McLaurin, who already had a master's degree in education, was first denied admission to the University of Oklahoma to pursue a Doctorate in Education degree. 232, 83 L.Ed. (b) That appellant may still be set apart by his fellow students and may be in no better position when these restrictions are removed is irrelevant, for there is a constitutional difference between restrictions imposed by the State which prohibit the intellectual commingling of students and the refusal of students to commingle where the State presents no such bar. It may be argued that appellant will be in no better position when these restrictions are removed, for he may still be set apart by his fellow students. WebSupreme Court case McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents School ruled that public institutions of higher learning could not discriminate due to race. U.S. Reports: McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. (1941) 455, 456, 457, which made it a misdemeanor to maintain or operate, teach or attend a school at which both whites and Negroes are enrolled or taught. HWs* 2zjZm,Bk*y"_qc B*>.bjK\Tzk.7EWk9#@3F/]3w=# La\V&om76 BU@*F2Lb DMkLuyY)<8,!os2W 7$'X0AOq k U0k In this case, we are faced with the question whether a state may, after admitting a student to graduate instruction in its state university, afford him different treatment from other students solely because of his race. Appellant was thereupon admitted to the University of Oklahoma Graduate School. State-imposed restrictions which produce such inequalities cannot be sustained. 526 (W. D. Okla. 1949). McLaurin successfully sued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma to gain admission to the institution (87 F. Supp. Subscribe Now. There is a vast difference a Constitutional difference between restrictions imposed by the state which prohibit the intellectual commingling of students, and the refusal of individuals to commingle where the state presents no such bar. The ruling in McLaurin had major ramifications for both parties and went on to set a new precedent regarding segregation, especially with how it pertained to education. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. In apparent conformity with the amendment, his admission was made subject to 'such rules and regulations as to segregation as the President of the University shall consider to afford Mr. G. W. McLaurin substantially equal educational opportunities as are afforded to other persons seeking the same education in the Graduate College,' a condition which does not appear to have been withdrawn. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents | US Law | LII / Legal McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents | Study.com Okla. 1948) U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma - 87 F. Supp. George W. McLaurin 247, a statutory three-judge District Court held, 87 F.Supp. 0000001774 00000 n Their own education and development will necessarily suffer to the extent that his training is unequal to that of his classmates. 1149], the Court, in requiring that a Negro admitted to a white graduate school be treated like all other students, again resorted to intangible considerations: his ability to study, to engage in discussions and exchange views with other students, and, in general, to learn his profession. MR. CHIEF JUSTICE VINSON delivered the opinion of the Court. [339 U.S. 637, 643]. WebMcLAURIN v. OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION et al. Sturdivant v. Blue Valley Unified Sch. Dist.) The University admitted McLaurin but provided him separate facilities, including a special table in the cafeteria, a designated desk in the library, a desk just outside the classroom doorway, and sometimes even made him eat at different times than the other students. R(/LS S!|9Md(Bz_&zKCq(x, 2*V)Aac!:! Thus he was required to sit apart at a designated desk in an anteroom adjoining the classroom; to sit at a designated desk on the mezzanine floor of the library, but not to use the desks in the regular reading room; and to sit at a designated table and to eat at a different time from the other students in the school cafeteria. No. There is a vast differencea Constitutional differencebetween restrictions imposed by the state which prohibit the intellectual commingling of students, and the refusal of individuals to commingle where the state presents no such bar. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. . 0000001099 00000 n The following (as per The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition) is the preferred citation for articles:Alfred L. Brophy, McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (1950), The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=MC034. The sign that hung around the students sites in the classroom stating Reserved for Colored was removed, and he was assigned to a table on the main floor of the library; his previous table was on the mezzanine level. These factors are elemental to robust education. - Biography, Facts, Quotes & Accomplishments, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Ann. Gaines v. Canada, 305 U.S. 337 (1938), and Sipuel v. Board of Regents, 332 U.S. 631 (1948), a statutory three-judge District Court held that the State had a Constitutional duty to provide him with the education he sought as soon as it provided that education for applicants of any other group. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents - casetext.com (1941) 455, 456, 457, which made it a misdemeanor to maintain or operate, teach or attend a school at which both whites and Negroes are enrolled or taught. Decided June 5, 1950. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to segregate McLaurin from his peers. McLAURIN v. OKLAHOMA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS :: 2020 4039. Yes. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, an important case leading up to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, struck down the Oklahoma statute that mandated segregation in education. George McLaurin, Educator born At that time, his application was denied, solely because of his race. Appellant is a Negro citizen of Oklahoma. In this case, we are faced with the question whether a state may, after admitting a student to graduate instruction in its state university, afford him different treatment from other students solely because of his race. He wanted to have an education that was similar to his peers. No part of this site may be construed as in the public domain. Where conditions exist where a student of color is required to receive his education deprive him of his personal and present right to the equal protection of the laws such circumstances the, Reversing, the Supreme Court of the United States held that a state could not treat a student differently from other students on the basis of race as the, Don't Miss Important Points of Law with BARBRI Outlines (Login Required). She has been a classroom teacher for the past ten years. 0000062265 00000 n Pp. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637, 640 (1950). The individual filed a complaint on the grounds that his right to equal protection had been violated by the school's actions. It had two major clauses: due process and equal protection. The removal of the state restrictions will not necessarily abate individual and group predilections, prejudices and choices. The Supreme Court reasoned that, under the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause, state officials had the legal duty to treat the plaintiff in the same manner as students of other races. At that time, his application was denied, solely because of his race. McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950) . Such restrictions impair and inhibit his ability to study, to engage in discussions and exchange views with other students, and, in general, to learn his profession. WebGeorge W. McLaurin was an Oklahoma citizen and an African-American. Upon suit filed by the applicant, the university tried to set up a separate facility for African-American law students. The Supreme Court noted that the special treatment McLaurin received because of his race set him apart from the other students. Possessing a Masters Degree, he applied for admission to the University of Oklahoma in order to pursue studies and courses leading to a Doctorate in Education. Appellant's case represents, perhaps, the epitome of that need, for he is attempting to obtain an advanced degree in education, to become, by definition, a leader and trainer of others. State-imposed restrictions which produce such inequalities cannot be sustained. - Discoveries, Timeline & Facts, Presidential Election of 1848: Summary, Candidates & Results, Lord Charles Cornwallis: Facts, Biography & Quotes, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand: Quotes & Biography, Who is Jose de San Martin? (1950) 455, 456, 457. Appellant's case represents perhaps the epitome of that need, for he is attempting to obtain an advanced degree in education, to become, by definition, a leader and trainer of others. Can a state treat a student differently from other students solely because of race? 1149, it was ruled that a state may not after having admitted a Negro student to graduate instruction in its state university afford him different treatment from other students solely because of his race. Board of Regents v. New Left Education Project, Hart v. Community School Board of Brooklyn, Berry v. School Dist. Gaines v. Canada, 305 U.S. 337 (1938), and Sipuel v. Board of Regents, 332 U.S. 631 (1948), a statutory three-judge District Court held that the State had a Constitutional duty to provide him with the education he sought as soon as it provided that education for applicants of any other group. Appellant, a Negro citizen of Oklahoma possessing a master's degree, was admitted to the Graduate School of the state-supported University of Oklahoma as a candidate for a doctorate in education and was permitted to use the same classroom, library and cafeteria as white students. The judgment below is. WebMcLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 339 U.S. 637 (1950) McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. 0000071802 00000 n Village of Arlington Heights v. Metropolitan Housing Development Corp. Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, Crawford v. Los Angeles Board of Education, Board of Education of Oklahoma City v. Dowell, Northeastern Fla. Chapter, Associated Gen. Robert L. Carter and Amos T. Hall argued the cause for appellant. 1149 (1950), the petitioner, who was black, was admitted to the state's formerly white only graduate school, but was compelled to sit in a "colored only" row in the classroom, a "colored only" table in the library and a "colored only" table for meals in the cafeteria. Chief Justice Fred Vinson, writing for the court, held that the differential treatment given to McLaurin was itself a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause: "Such restrictions impair and inhibit his ability to study, to engage in discussions and exchange views with other students, and, in general, to learn his profession."