It Isn't Always Black or White: Reflections of a High School Principal During Nashville's Integration

The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) integration was a complicated process. Though a plan had been implemented in 1970, this plan was reversed by a higher court in 1981 resulting in school closings, teacher transfers, and students bussed miles from home just days before school started. These unexpected changes put burdens on principals, teachers, and staff, as they did their best in a time of uncertainty.

These stories, many never shared before, took place during the court-ordered inte...