Ole Miss repeals 1962 censure of campus journalist
By The Associated Press
09.26.02
OXFORD, Miss. — The University of Mississippi has repealed the 40-year-old censure of a former campus newspaper editor who spoke out against the violence surrounding the admission of a black student.
The current Associated Student Body senate unanimously repealed the old resolution on Sept. 24, leading up to the university's yearlong focus on its integration in the 1960s.
Sidna Brower was censured by the student senate in a Dec. 4, 1962, document that said the editor "failed in time of grave crisis to represent and uphold the rights of her fellow students."
University officials were upset with Brower for The Mississippian's coverage of rioting that attracted federal marshals to campus, saying the paper failed to record the "official" version of events.
In an Oct. 1, 1962, editorial, Brower wrote that violent student demonstrations were "bringing dishonor and shame upon the University and the State of Mississippi."
A new resolution cites the journalist's courage.
"I can't tell you how much this resolution means to me. I am really touched," said the former editor.
She now lives in New Jersey and plans to return to the Ole Miss campus next week for the observance of the integration of the school integration.
On Oct. 1, the university marks the 40th anniversary of the admission of James Meredith of Jackson. Speakers, exhibits and forums for the observance culminate on campus next September with an international conference on race.