Counterculture/Integration Protest

In 1999, Washington and Lee University decided to admit black students. Now, Many of the students (some black, some white) are protesting in favor of integrated dorms. Most of the administrators are against this dramatic and controversial move. However, with this many of the students and professors demanding it, some compromise may have to be made.

History

In 1994, Louisiana State University opened its doors to black students. Over the next few years, a few other schools in the Confederate States of America followed suit. In 1999, in a 4-2 decision by the board, Washington and Lee University decided to accept black students.

This caused significant consternation amongst the alumni and many of the teachers. The president of the board was almost removed. It was decided not to remove him, because after the decision was made, revoking it would cause even more trouble.

Since then, there have been several hate crimes, and many accusations of prejudice in grading against professors. After the first year, the problems seemed to settle down, and mostly be small and confined. As of fall 2004, Washington and Lee University had 8% black students in its undergraduate program, and almost 2% black students in the law school.

In 2004 and 2005, some students began demanding integrated dorms. The board mostly ignored these requests because they seemed to radical. Currently, there is one black dorm on campus, and there has been talk of adding another.

In February 2005, the students began organizing for a massive protest. During the first board meeting in March, well over 1500 students gathered outside the building where