Ross Barnett, American lawyer and politician, 52nd Governor of Mississippi (d. 1987)

Ross Robert Barnett (January 22, 1898 – November 6, 1987) served as the Governor of Mississippi from 1960 to 1964, a pivotal period marked by intense civil rights activism and profound societal transformation across the United States. His governorship is primarily defined by his fervent advocacy for racial segregation and his direct confrontation with the federal government over desegregation mandates.

Governorship During the Civil Rights Era

Elected on a platform of staunch segregation, Barnett’s tenure coincided with the escalating demands of the American Civil Rights Movement. As Governor, he became a central figure in the Deep South’s resistance to federal intervention aimed at ending racial discrimination. His administration actively sought to maintain Mississippi's Jim Crow laws and established racial hierarchy, reflecting the prevailing sentiments of a significant portion of the state's white population at the time.

Prominent Member of the Dixiecrats

Barnett was indeed a prominent member of the Dixiecrats, formally known as the States' Rights Democratic Party. This short-lived political party was formed in 1948 by conservative Southern Democrats who opposed President Harry S. Truman's civil rights platform. The Dixiecrats championed "states' rights," a doctrine they invoked to justify racial segregation and resist federal desegregation efforts. Their ideology was rooted in the belief that individual states, rather than the federal government, had the authority to determine their own social and racial policies. Barnett’s strong alignment with this movement underscored his commitment to white supremacy and the maintenance of segregation, often articulating the view that Mississippi had the right to govern its internal affairs without federal interference.

The Ole Miss Integration Crisis of 1962

The most defining and internationally recognized event of Ross Barnett's governorship was his defiant stand against the integration of the University of Mississippi (commonly known as "Ole Miss") in 1962. This crisis erupted when James Meredith, an African American Air Force veteran, sought to enroll at the then-segregated university.

• Defiance of Federal Orders: Governor Barnett publicly defied orders from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court, which mandated Meredith's admission. He personally blocked Meredith's entry on several occasions, famously declaring, "I shall not surrender one iota!"
• Federal Intervention and Violence: Barnett's unyielding resistance led to a direct confrontation with the administration of President John F. Kennedy. On September 30, 1962, after Barnett refused to back down, President Kennedy federalized the Mississippi National Guard and dispatched U.S. marshals to escort Meredith onto campus. This action sparked violent riots by segregationist protestors, resulting in two deaths, numerous injuries, and significant property damage.
• Symbol of Resistance: Barnett's actions at Ole Miss transformed him into a national symbol of Southern resistance to desegregation, although his defiance ultimately failed to prevent the university's integration.

Legacy and Historical Context

Ross Barnett's legacy is inextricably linked to the struggle for civil rights in the American South. He is remembered as a vocal proponent of racial segregation who used his gubernatorial power to oppose federal desegregation mandates during a transformative era. His role in the Ole Miss crisis serves as a stark reminder of the intense resistance faced by those advocating for racial equality and the federal government's ultimate commitment to enforcing civil rights laws.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ross Barnett

What was Ross Barnett's most significant action as Governor of Mississippi?

Ross Barnett's most significant action was his defiant opposition to the integration of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1962, when he personally attempted to block the enrollment of James Meredith, an African American student.

Who were the Dixiecrats, and what was their primary aim?

The Dixiecrats, officially the States' Rights Democratic Party, were a political party formed in 1948 by conservative Southern Democrats. Their primary aim was to preserve racial segregation and states' rights in the face of federal civil rights initiatives, specifically opposing President Harry S. Truman's efforts to advance civil rights.

When did Ross Barnett serve as Governor of Mississippi?

Ross Barnett served as the Governor of Mississippi for one term, from 1960 to 1964.