Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-10-2021
Publication Title
41st Annual Indiana Association of Historians (Virtual) Conference / Beyond Boundaries Indiana Academies Symposium
Department
University Libraries - Public Services
College/School
University Libraries
Abstract
In 1865, near the end of the Civil War, the Indiana state legislature passed a school law that established a system of public schools, yet excluded black and other non-white children. Various attempts were made over the following years to amend this law and expand the school system to include black children. Governor Oliver Morton was a fierce proponent, but after he was elected the United States Senate to represent Indiana, this responsibility shifted to Lt. Governor Conrad Baker. While the general assembly struggled to pass a new law, communities across Indiana implemented their own solutions. In cities such as Indianapolis and Evansville, religious organizations such as the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church spearheaded efforts to educate African Americans. While the law was amended in 1869, African Americans still faced obstacles in obtaining equitable access to education in Indiana.
Recommended Citation
Sye, David, "Reforming Indiana's 1865 Education Law" (2021). Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity. 129.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/faculty/129
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.