Ambiguous Cases

When the race of a prospective applicant was not so easily discernible, admissions counselors sometimes used the alumnae network to investigate. Alumnae were asked to inform the college about the race of the applicant using an enclosed postcard. Alternatively, information about the prospective student could even come unsolicited from a “witnessed citizen” informing the college about the race of an applicant.


All of the materials were found in the papers of President Charles P. Hogarth or his administration, suggesting that he authorized and/or approved of these procedures. The names of prospective students and admissions staff have been redacted for privacy.

Letters from Prospective Students, 1964-65.
Mississippi University for Women Archives. Charles P. Hogarth Collection.