Boardman, John. January 15, 1957. "Integration Supporter Says Official Threatens Suspension for Letter." Florida Flambeau.
University regulations prohibited students from participating in “mass demonstrations,” and those who did were subject to increased scrutiny, suspension, or even arrest. Nevertheless, dozens of FSU and FAMU students were involved with civil rights organizations and protests during the mid-1950s. Graduate physics student John Boardman was particularly active in advocating for integration. In this letter to the editor, from the student newspaper, Florida Flambeau, Boardman calls for fellow students to join him at a meeting of the Inter-Civic Council (the same organization responsible for coordinating the Tallahassee Bus Boycott). He also endorses an African American candidate, Reverend K.S. Dupont, for the upcoming City Commissioner election.
In January of 1957, Boardman was expelled. The official reason given was that he violated university regulations by inviting three black (foreign) students from FAMU to a Christmas party on FSU's campus. However, the expulsion was also a retaliation for Boardman's public support of integration. This letter of support was sent anonymously to university campuses across the U.S. and calls for protest. Many apparently heeded the call, as the Office of the President was inundated with letters both supporting and opposing the expulsion.
Letter sent to numerous institutions about John Boardman. January 30, 1957. (Florida State University Heritage & University Archives, HUA 2018-062, Florida State University Office of the President: Doak Campbell Administrative Files, 1941-1957. Box 20, folder 41, item 20).
Letter to John Boardman from Doak S. Campbell. February 8, 1957. (Florida State University Heritage & University Archives, HUA 2018-062, Florida State University Office of the President: Doak Campbell Administrative Files, 1941-1957. Box 20, folder 41, item 17). To enlarge image, right-click and selesct "open image in new tab."
Boardman sent a letter of appeal (below) to President Campbell, arguing that the rules forbidding mix-race parties and campus visits from FAMU students are "completely unenforceable relics" intended to uphold educational segregation, which was declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court three years prior. He also points out that he was targeted for the rule violation only after it became clear that he was involved in pro-integration activities. Campbell denied Boardman's appeal, citing the latter's unwillingness to comply with regulations (left).
John Boardman's Appeal and Letter to Doak S. Campbell. February 5, 1957. (Florida State University Heritage & University Archives, HUA 2018-062, Florida State University Office of the President: Doak Campbell Administrative Files, 1941-1957. Box 20, folder 41, item 18).
Boardman also asked Governor Collins to step in. In the letter below, he claims that Deans Oglesby and Carr (who were involved in his expulsion) wrote letters to other university deans in order to sabotage his search for a new graduate school. However, his plea on fell on deaf ears as the Governor refused to intervene. Boardman went on to finish his doctorate at Syracuse University in 1962.
Letter to Governor LeRoy Collins from John Boardman. March 6, 1957. Page 1. (Florida State University Heritage & University Archives, HUA 2018-062, Florida State University Office of the President: Doak Campbell Administrative Files, 1941-1957. Box 20, folder 41, item 22).
Letter to Governor LeRoy Collins from John Boardman. March 6, 1957. Page 2. (Florida State University Heritage & University Archives, HUA 2018-062, Florida State University Office of the President: Doak Campbell Administrative Files, 1941-1957. Box 20, folder 41, item 22).
