A Shameful Law by L. A. R.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 25, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 45.

A Shameful Law

By L. A. R.

A FEW years ago we were admonished to work for the colored people of the South with despatch, because the times would come when our work for the colored people would be greatly hindered. That admonition was perfectly justifiable, as we now see.

A most extraordinary and unchristian law has lately been enacted in the state of Florida. It makes it unlawful “for white teachers to teach Negroes in Negro schools, and for Negro teachers to teach in white schools.” Violation of this prohibition will be punished with a penalty of $500, or imprisonment for six months.

The purpose of this act is perfectly plain. There is very little danger of Negroes’ teaching white pupils. The object is to close mission schools for Negroes taught by white men and women, and the only reason for this must be because the legislators want the Negroes repressed and kept under.

There is the Cookman Institute in Jacksonville, a Methodist school for colored folks. The teachers in this institute will not be allowed to teach correct English, or arithmetic enough to keep a store account, nor to show girls how they can make and mend their dresses, or bake bread and biscuits. The boys can not be taught by competent instructors how to sow or plant or fertilize their land, or how to make bricks or brooms or shoes. Pupils can not be taught manners or morals, or how to read their Bibles, or to obey the Christian religion. Christianity is to uplift those who are downcast and downtrodden. The principles of altruism even demand it.

While this law is unconstitutional in spirit, it seems to be constitutional in form; and the great danger is that if the courts do not annul it, other states may pass similar laws.

It is to be hoped that there is Christian spirit enough in Florida to resent and repeal this law.

L. A. R.