Sound recording
White House Audio Collection
JFKWHA-132-002
Sound recording of President John F. Kennedy’s radio and television address to the nation regarding desegregation and racially motivated violence at the University of Mississippi. In his speech President Kennedy regrets the necessity for any action by the federal government, but explains that the freedom to disagree with the law does not include the freedom to disobey it. The President calls upon the citizens of Mississippi to allow student James Meredith an equal opportunity for education and to preserve law and order by upholding their tradition of honor and courage.