Descriptions of a Student Defending Integration (The Auburn Plainsman, 1962)

“highly intellectual and also highly confused” – James E. Foy, Dean of Students

“Confusion can be unraveled. Care can be unwound.

All this and more by the light spring breeze that leaves no trace

save an ever-flowing existence. Blowing lightly. Purifying a gray remembrance.

Sifting away the bad, the confusion, the ill-feelings,

the conflict with reality.” – Jim Dinsmore, the student

“no limitations on extremism…doesn’t represent

the thinking of the institution” – Ralph Draughon, Auburn University President

“A disheveled past can be pieced together. A hard residue of faith and hope and love

remains for those who can see. The lightness, the frivolity, the good feelings

mingle with the depths of happy emotion. A heap of glowing intangibles

encompass our memories of a year gone by… at Auburn University …” – Dinsmore

“…but today there is no informed, honest, patriotic, White

who is sincerely for integration.

Do you wish to further Communism?” – E.L. Cross, Reader

“The slight breeze swirled the blades hither and yon. Her hand was left empty.

She laughed out loud. The grass scurried to the green. No one noticed. No one saw.

I alone betrayed the innocence.” – Dinsmore

“My heart leaps up when I behold

a traitor in the paper.” – Thomas A. Smith, Freshman student

“Many of your classmates might be against the stand

which you have taken, but later they will join you;

because you are right. Always remember that

the truth will make you free.” – William J. Jiles, Minister

“But it is best that we reflect now,

before the blades sink into green oblivion.” – Dinsmore