Western to Admit Negroes In Summer; 12 to 15 Expected

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Louisville Courier-Journal

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Creation Date

5-25-1956

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Article published in the May 25, 1956 issue of the Louisville Courier-Journal regarding the integration of WKU:

Bowling Green, Ky., May 24 (AP) - Western Kentucky State College will open its doors to Negro students beginning with the June 7 summer term, President Kelly Thompson said today.

Thompson said 12 to 15 Negro students are expected to enroll for graduate work.

Thompson said the decision to admit Negroes was in compliance with recommendations of the Kentucky Council of Public Higher Education and in conjunction with action by all other State schools.

The University of Kentucky has been enrolling Negro graduate students several years. Negro undergraduates are now enrolled at U.K.

City School Superintendent L.C. Curry, after hearing of Western's action, said City schools will probably integrate "right away." He said no decision had been reached, but that the City Board of Education had been waiting for Western to take the first step.

Warren County Superintendent C.T. Clemons said the County system would take action in the near future.