Learn about the case — historical background and documents
Historical Documents
Original complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, September 4, 1952
Amendment to Louisiana State Constitution designed to forestall desegregation, Article XII, Section 1 (1954)
Petition requesting an end to school segregation in New Orleans (signed by 17 black parents in New Orleans), June 27, 1955
Judge J. Skelly Wright’s February 1956 decision requiring school desegregation in New Orleans (excerpt)
Statement of Louisiana State Senator William Rainach in response to the decision of the three-judge district court, February 15, 1956
The Southern Manifesto
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit decision affirming Judge Wright’s desegregation order, 1957
Interposition resolution and legislation
Speech by Governor Jimmie Davis on statewide television, November 13, 1960
Through My Eyes, by Ruby Bridges (excerpt)
Joint resolution of Louisiana state legislature urging boycott of desegregated schools, November 16, 1960
Decision and order of U.S. District Court, November 30, 1960
Letters Sent to Judge Skelly Wright During the Desegregation Controversy
Critics
Supporters
Bush v. Orleans Parish School Board and the Desegregation of New Orleans Schools