It’s well-known that supporters of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 denounced busing and quotas, only to have the Federal Government endorse these actions in short order. I’ve recently come across other interesting “legislative intent” materials, relating to the expected impact of the Act on civil liberties.
Rep. William M. McCulloch, ranking minority member of the House Judiciary Committee, as quoted in the New York Times, April 24, 1964: “The bill does not permit the Federal Government in any way to interfere with freedom of the press and freedom of speech.” Senator Kenneth Keating denounced as “nonsense” and “dangerous claptrap” the idea that the proposed law could prohibit an Irish group from reserving a hotel ballroom for the exclusive use of those of Irish descent (N.Y. Times, March 15, 1964). McCulloch again (from Carl Albert papers, box 68, folder 5): “The Bill does not permit the Federal government to force religious schools to hire teachers they do not want.” “The Bill does not permit the Federal Government to tell general retail establishements, bars, private clubs, country clubs, or service establishments whom they must serve.” Hah!
Comments are closed.