« Previous | 1 - 10 of 13 |
Number of results to display per page

Gallo Demonstration

Description: Demonstration against Gallo Foods and call to boycott lettuce. Students are calling for the Gallo Corporation to negotiate with their workers. Footage includes people marching and chanting in English and Spanish with signs that read, "Boycott Gallo," and a meeting between activists and Gallo representatives. Mix of sound and silent.
Collection: WCVB Collection
Date Created: 03/03/1975

Racism Demonstration

Description: A group of students walk through a hall, then shots of them outside marching, and an overhead shot of them marching in a circle. Silent.
Collection: WCVB Collection
Date Created: 07/18/1975

Brown University

Description: Student demonstration on Brown University campus. Group of students playing drum. Reporter standup on earlier student strike and current building takeover and demonstration. Reporter voice over blank screen. Interview with African American student on lack of recruitment of minority students and faculty and support for a Afro American studies program. Reporter voice over blank screen. Interview with representative of Brown University administration. Sound.
Collection: WCVB Collection
Date Created: 04/24/1975

Auto Theft

Description: A man demonstrates to a room of reporters the ease of stealing a Ford vehicle. B-roll of the press conference, people in attendance, and different tools. Reporter standup about a bill to require car makers to reach certain antitheft standards. Mix of sound and silent.
Collection: WCVB Collection
Date Created: 03/03/1975

Throat Clearing Hearing

Description: Silent footage of a man at a hearing demonstrating a throat clearing device on a woman, and shots of the audience.
Collection: WCVB Collection
Date Created: 03/20/1975

Kearney, Conway, O'Shea on busing

Description: Judy Stoia interviews Dennis Kearney (State Representative), Gloria Conway (Editor, Charlestown Patriot) and Mon O'Shea (Associate Dean, Bunker Hill Community College) on the steps of the Bunker Hill Monument. They talk about the anti-busing movement in Charlestown. O'Shea says that the media have portrayed Charlestown as a violent community; that the Charlestown anti-busing movement is working for public safety and rumor control. Conway discusses the damage the media can cause by reporting unverified rumors. Paul deGive interviews Conway on police presence in Charlestown and about violent youth in Charlestown. Conway says that police officers in Charlestown allowed a peaceful demonstration to proceed today; that residents need to vent their frustrations. Conway discusses the ways local and national media interact with the people involved in the busing situation, while they shoot cutaways. Tape 3 of 3
1:00:01: Visual: Judy Stoia interviews Dennis Kearney (State Representative), Gloria Conway (Editor, Charlestown Patriot) and Mon O'Shea (Associate Dean, Bunker Hill Community College) on the steps of the Bunker Hill Monument. 1:00:34: V: Stoia asks about the image of Charlestown as a violent community. O'Shea says that Charlestown's image is created by the media; that he does not condone violence; that anti-busing leaders in Charlestown have worked for public safety and the establishment of a rumor control center. Conway talks about the importance of the rumor control center. 1:03:16: V: Stoia winds up the interview. Two police officers descend steps beside them. The group talks informally. Stoia explains the editing process. Stoia compares anti-busing resistance in South Boston to resistance in Charlestown. The crew takes extra cutaway shots of the group. Conway talks about her work at The Patriot. Shots of area around Bunker Hill Monument. 1:07:39: V: The crew sets up Paul deGive's interview with Conway. DeGive asks about possible removal of TPF from Charlestown. Conway says that some police presence is necessary; that she will not speculate on numbers; that tension in the community has diminished; that the police were effective today because they allowed a peaceful demonstration to proceed; that peaceful demonstrations allow residents to vent their frustration; that many police deployed on Bunker Hill Street today were local officers known to the community; that the MDC Police officers have tried to work with the community. DeGive asks about violent youth gangs. Conway says that it is not unusual for youth to be out in the streets in Charlestown; that she cannot identify the element that needs to be controlled by the police. DeGive rephrases his question about potential violence of Charlestown youth. Conway says that there are a few leaders making trouble, but many kids are caught up in the events. 1:14:33: V: The crew sets up cutaway shots of Conway and deGive. DeGive and Conway talk informally. Conway comments on local and national media coverage of busing. Conway comments on TPF action against female residents of Charlestown. The crew wraps up the shoot.
Collection: Evening Compass, The
Date Created: 09/10/1975

Charlestown High busing reactions

Description: Police lined up outside Charlestown High. Teachers gathered at the front of the school. Black students get off bus. Person on the street interviews with students boycotting school in busing protest. They discuss the purpose of their boycott. Some fiercely defend sovereignty of sports teams, make racist comments.
1:00:04: Visual: Police are lined up in the street in front of Charlestown High School on the first day of school. Graffiti on the front of the school is painted over. The media is gathered behind a fence across the street from the school. 1:01:30: V: A police car approaches slowly, escorting a school bus. The school bus pulls up to the front of the school. African American students exit the bus and enter the school. White students watch the action on the street from an upper window of the school. Police officers on motorcycles wait alongside the bus. The bus pulls away, followed by motorcycles. Shot of the bus circling Monument Square; of two police motorcycles circling Monument Square; of police stationed in Monument Square. 1:05:48: V: Crowds of people, including school-aged kids, are assembled outside of the Bunker Hill Housing Project on Bunker Hill Street. Cars pass by slowly. Shots of the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, visible over a building. 1:08:14: V: A group of white youth are gathered near a fence on Bunker Hill Street. A voice yells, "No busing." The group waves at the camera. Judy Stoia approaches the group and brings some members over to the camera for an interview. Two males convince a girl named Patty to join the interview. She is reluctant. They are joined by an older man. The older man says that he has six grandchildren who are being bused out of Charlestown. One of the males (Mike) says he plans to boycott school all year; that Charlestown has been quiet "because we are not racists." The older man says that he has spoken to some African American residents of the Dudley Street Housing Project; that they were "good people." Members of the group say that crowds of anti-busers will stay in the street until the end of the schoolday. Mike says that a total boycott of the school could stop busing; that anti-busing demonstrations in Charlestown may turn violent. Another male says that demonstrators in Charlestown will be peaceful. The group is reluctant to talk further and begins to move away from the camera. Stoia asks them how they feel about dropping out of sports programs because of the boycott. Members of the group say that they can play sports among themselves; that they do not mind African American students being bused into Charlestown; that they resent Charlestown students being bused out; that "townies" must stick together. 1:13:20: V: A group of young white male students are gathered in the street. A reporter asks them about sports in Charlestown. One student says that you can't go to sports practice if you have missed school. A second student says that Charlestown sports teams should not have to admit players from outside of Charlestown; that players from outside of Charlestown will be given a hard time in practice until they quit. Members of the group say that Charlestown students who are assigned to schools outside of Charlestown are boycotting school; that buses leaving Charlestown are empty. Another student says that there are no cops on the field for sports practices; that Charlestown players will be rough on outsiders during sports practices. Members of the group say that Charlestown sports teams do not need players from outside of Charlestown. The group says that Charlestown students were turned away from Charlestown High School this morning because they were late. Several members of the group use racist language. One student says that tardy students were turned away unless they had a note from their parents; that African American students on buses were let in to school. Several of the group say that they had been planning to take over the school this morning. One student shows his Charlestown High School identity card to the reporter.
Collection: Evening Compass, The
Date Created: 09/08/1975

Boston School Report

Description: Press conference at Boston Schools Information Center to sum up week one of Phase II desegregation of Boston schools. Ed Baumeister introduces the Boston School Report with a summary of the day's events. Ron Brinn (Information Coordinator, Mayor's Office) introduces the participants. Peter Meade (Mayor's Office) comments on a successful opening of schools. Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) gives a report on school suspensions and comments that the atmosphere in the schools is good. William Reid (Headmaster, South Boston High School) comments on the opening week at South Boston High School. Pat Brady (Detective, Boston Police Department) reads a police report detailing arrests and injuries. Brady reports that there were no major incidents today and that extra police will continue to be deployed. Dr. Louis Perullo (Boston School Department) analyzes school attendance statistics. Perullo compares attendance statistics from the 1975-76 school year to attendance statistics from the 1974-1975 school year. Reporters ask Reid about an altercation at South Boston High School and the effect of community demonstrations on the atmosphere in the schools. Reid says that outside disturbances have a negative effect on the atmosphere inside the schools. Fahey says that she has no control over demonstrations outside of the school. Fahey reports on increased attendance at the city's magnet schools. Reporters ask Fahey and Perullo about school attendance and the possibility of a non-white majority in the Boston school population. Fahey says that she is not yet ready to predict a non-white majority. Robert Murphy (Civil Rights Division, US Justice Department) reports on the activity of federal marshals in Boston and the ongoing federal investigations into violations of the federal court order. Ann Foley (administrative assistant to Fahey) announces a change in operating hours for the Boston Schools Information Center. This tape has audible time code on track 2 and visible time code burned in at the top of the picture.
17:00:00: Visual: Opening credits read Boston School Report. Press conference at Boston Schools Information Center sums up events during week one of Phase II desegregation of Boston schools. Ed Baumeister gives a summary of the day's events: school attendance dropped to 68.4% from 69.1% on the previous day; six African American students were sent home after a scuffle with white students at South Boston High School; no suspensions at South Boston High School; three peaceful protest marches were held. Reporters at the press conference include Baumeister and Walt Sanders. 17:00:51: V: Ron Brinn (Information Coordinator, Mayor's Office) opens the press conference, reminding all that it is day five of Phase II desegregation of Boston schools. He introduces the panel: Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools), William Reid (Headmaster, South Boston High School), Ann Foley (administrative assistant to Fahey), Robert Murphy (Civil Rights Division, US Justice Department), Peter Meade (Mayor's Office). 17:01:52: V: Meade says that the school personnel deserve a lot of credit for their efforts; that students and parents deserve credit for behaving responsibly during the first week of Phase II desegregation. Meade says that the opening of schools was a success; that many doubted it would go as well as it did; that the city's problems are not over. 17:03:08: V: Fahey says that she is pleased with the progress made in the schools; that she would like to thank the staff of the school system; that ten African American males, 16 white males, five African American females and three white females were suspended over the past week. She introduces Dr. Louis Perullo (Boston School Department), who analyzes attendance statistics for the school system. She says that there were no arrests in the schools all week; that the atmosphere in the schools is good. 17:05:13: V: Brinn introduces Reid. Reid says that he prefers not to compare Phase I desegregation to Phase II; that they are more prepared this year; that he would like to see higher attendance figures; that the past week at South Boston High School was adequate. 17:06:38: V: Brinn stalls as he waits for Pat Brady (Detective, Boston Police Department). Brady reads a statement from Robert DiGrazia (Police Commissioner, City of Boston). The statement reads that there were no major incidents today; that no students were injured in incidents related to school desegregation during the week; that the peaceful opening of schools was due to increased police presence and effective leadership by community leaders; that 112 arrests were made during the week; that 16 police officers were injured; that DiGrazia is pleased with the events of the past week; that extra police will continue to be deployed. 17:09:00: V: Perullo talks about statistics he has compiled. He compares attendance statistics from a Thursday and Friday during the first week of Phase I busing with statistics from a Thursday and Friday during the first week of Phase II. Attendance was down significantly on Friday at all levels during Phase I. Attendance was down slightly on Friday at the high schools and middle schools during Phase II; the elementary schools experienced a slight increase. Perullo says that school attendance usually drops on Fridays. Perullo introduces a table with total attendance by area and level of schooling. He finds that attendance did not change significantly from yesterday to today in any of the areas except high schools; that attendance at Jamaica Plain High School decreased 5.5%; that attendance at Hyde Park High School decreased 6.9%; that attendance at Dorchester High School decreased 5.0%; that attendance at South Boston High School and East Boston High School decreased 4.4% and 5.3% respectively; that attendance at the magnet high schools declined only slightly; that elementary schools in Roslindale saw an increase in attendance of 3.5%. Perullo says that high school attendance increased from 60.3% on Monday to 68% on Thursday; that high school attendance today was down 2.6% from Thursday; that middle schools increased from 60% on Monday to 70.3% on Wednesday; that middle school attendance was down ).7% from Wednesday; that elementary school attendance increased from 58.1% on Monday to 69.8% today. Perullo says that white attendance increased from 56.9% on Monday to 64% on Wednesday; that white attendance was down 1.8% from Wednesday; that African American attendance increased from 62.5% to a high of 75% on Thursday; that today's African American attendance was down 0.6%; that the attendance of other minorities increased from 55% on Monday to 75.9% on Friday. 17:14:52: V: Brinn invites questions from the media. Reporter asks Perullo if he can verify that white students comprise 46% of the school system while African Americans and other minorities comprise 54%. Perullo says he has not yet analyzed those numbers and cannot verify the statistic. Baumeister asks Fahey if she has investigated claims by Frank Power (Headmaster, Charlestown High School), that the projected enrollment numbers are high. Fahey says that she has no answer. Reid says that it is normal to plan for the attendance of every student who might attend, even those whose attendance is doubtful; that students drop out or move away over the summer; that it is difficult to compare actual enrollment to projected enrollment during the first week of school; that actual enrollment is usually less than projected enrollment. 17:17:41: V: A reporter asks Reid about the atmosphere at South Boston High School, as compared to the previous year. Reid says that he does not remember the climate last year; that he has had a good first week of school; that the students were restless today due to a prayer march and rumors of a walkout. A reporter asks Reid about a disturbance resulting in a request for state troopers at South Boston High School today. Reid says that he works closely with Major Gilligan (Massachusetts State Police Department); that Gilligan places troopers where he thinks they will be effective; that decisions concerning the number of troopers are made by him, Gilligan, and the officer in charge of the building; that an altercation at South Boston High School began with an African American student who said he was punched; that three African American students were brought to the office to file reports; that another altercation involving one of these three students occurred after lunch; that he is investigating the situation. 17:20:39: V: A reporter asks Reid if he finds prayer marches and demonstrations outside of the building disruptive. Reid says that any actions taken by the outside community create tension in the school. A reporter reminds Fahey that she had told him that demonstrations outside Charlestown High School had no negative effects on the African American students inside the building. Fahey says that she does not dispute Reid's analysis of the atmosphere in his school; that normal school activity is taking place despite marches in South Boston, Charlestown and Hyde Park; that it is not up to her to restrict parade permits for these marches. A reporter says that Headmaster Power had complained that the number of non-school personnel present at Charlestown High School made it difficult to operate the school. Reid says that he shares Power's concern; that the court order allows 12 community persons to be in the school; that two persons are sufficient to monitor activity and report on the atmosphere. 17:22:54: V: A reporter asks Fahey for observations on the performance of the magnet schools so far. Fahey says that attendance has increased at the magnet schools; that programs in conjunction with area universities will be implemented; that programs are currently under review include a program between English High School and University of Massachusetts as well as an open education program involving the Martin Luther King School and Antioch University. Baumeister asks Murphy if any charges have been filed in cases involving Molotov cocktails. Murphy says that no charges have been filed; that charges may be filed at the end of next week. Baumeister reminds Murphy that the local US attorney has already filed civil charges in one case. Murphy says his office is working together with the local US attorney. Baumeister asks if federal marshals have made any arrests on their own in the past week. Murphy says that they have made no arrests. Baumeister asks if they have been instructed to use restraint. Murphy says that they have been instructed to be professional. 17:24:38: V: A reporter asks Meade if he can share any Police Department intelligence. Meade replies that he does not attend the police intelligence briefings and if he did, he would not share the information. A reporter asks Meade if the mayor will continue to request that two battalions of the National Guard be on call for the city at the expense of $37,000 per day. Meade responds that the decision will be made jointly by the mayor and the governor; that the expense had not been discussed; that a reduction of troops in the public safety plan must be submitted to the court. A reporter asks Fahey if she knows the racial breakdown of the kindergarten population. Fahey says that the school department is making efforts to gather that data. A reporter asks Fahey about the possibility of white students becoming the minority in Boston schools. Fahey says that she is not yet ready to predict a non-white majority; that the school system is engaged in a recruitment program for students of all races; that white attendance has gone up in Roslindale elementary schools; that recruitment is going on in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Brighton; that it is too soon to make predictions. 17:29:26: V: A reporter comments on the fact that white students are staying away from schools in African American communities. Fahey says that this is true; that white parents may be keeping children out until they are sure the schools are safe; that the safety of the schools has been demonstrated over the past week. A reporter asks Fahey how long she thinks parents will wait before sending their children. Fahey says that the decision is up to individual parents. Baumeister asks if Fahey has seen results from the campaign to attract students back to the schools. Fahey says she has not had feedback from teachers; that over the past week teachers have been calling the parents of absentee students; that over the next two weeks teachers will write letters to the parents; that teachers will make personal visits to parents if they get no response from the letters or phone calls. A reporter comments that many classes will be racially imbalanced if white students do not return to schools in the next few weeks. Fahey says that she will refer the matter to the court. A reporter asks if it will be easier for parents to transfer students to a new school if classes are deemed to be racially imbalanced. Fahey reviews the transfer procedure and says that a transfer might be accepted if it does not upset the racial balance in either school. 17:35:01: V: Brinn invites other questions. Brady says that two arrests have been reported since his last report. An African American juvenile male was arrested at the Barton Rogers School for disorderly conduct and an African American juvenile female was arrested for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon relating to an incident on September 9th at the temporary Madison Park High School. Brady confirms 112 arrests for the week. Reporter asks if the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF) will be pulled out of South Boston. Brady responds that the TPF is stationed where it is needed. 17:36:46: V: Brinn invites Murphy to make a statement about the past week's events. Murphy says that he is happy that the federal marshals have made no arrests; that few arrests indicate that the situation is not so bad; that the marshals will continue to be stationed at the schools; that his office is investigating a dozen cases; that he does not expect a dozen indictments; that he is working on these cases with the state district attorney's office, the US attorney's office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Tobacco and Firearms. 17:38:28: V: Foley announces a change in operating hours for the Boston Schools Information Center. Foley says that the phone lines will be open until 5:30pm; that the center has received very few calls during the evenings. Fahey thanks the media and mentions that she will no longer attend press conferences on a regular basis; that she will be working hard to improve programs in the schools; that Boston is dealing with the same problems that many urban schools are facing. Fahey excuses herself. Brinn thanks the participants and the media, then closes the press conference. Baumeister gives a summary of the press conference.
Collection: Evening Compass, The
Date Created: 09/12/1975

Evening Compass broadcast

Description: Evening Compass late edition newscast on the first day of school during Phase II integration of Boston schools. Ed Baumeister and Paul deGive introduce the show and report that 80 arrests were made on the opening day of school. Baumeister reports that 77 members of the Committee Against Racism (CAR) were arrested for demonstrating along a bus route in South Boston. The introduction includes footage of Arthur Gartland (Citywide Coordinating Council) saying that the opening of schools was a success. Gary Griffith reports on street unrest and molotov cocktail incidents from police headquarters. DeGive reports on the opening of Charlestown High School, and on confrontations between Charlestown residents and police. DeGive reports that police motorcycles bore down with little warning on demonstrators sitting down in the middle of Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown; that a gang of youth overturned two cars in Charlestown and assaulted an African American student at Bunker Hill Community College. Baumeister reports on a peaceful opening day at South Boston High School. DeGive introduces footage of Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) reporting on a successful opening day across the city. South Boston High School students in the WGBH studio Judy Stoia is in the studio with a group of South Boston High School students. Several students read prepared pieces about their experiences on the opening day of school, while one describes his experience of being an African American student bused into South Boston High School. Pam Bullard interviews Joyce Grant (Harvard University) and James Mullan (Assistant Headmaster, Roxbury High School) about the link between Harvard University and Roxbury High School. Bullard talks about the court-ordered program which pairs public schools with universities and cultural institutions. Mullan and Grant talk about opportunities for Roxbury High School students at Harvard. Bullard also interviews Dr. Herman Goldberg (US Department of Health, Education and Welfare) about his presence in Boston to oversee the opening of schools. Goldberg explains that the Boston Public School System has received the largest grant in the nation to aid in the school desegregation process. This tape has audible time code on track 2.
3:02:25: Three South Boston High School seniors sit in the studio. Ed Baumeister reports that buses from Charlestown to Roxbury High School were empty. Baumeister and Paul deGive introduce show. Credits roll. Baumeister reports that all schools will be open again tomorrow; that crews are standing by to cover any breaking news during the broadcast. DeGive reports that a number of buses (between 11% - 23%) failed to show or were late for pickups; that the school department says that transportation problems will be resolved by tomorrow. Baumeister reports that there were no injuries, suspensions or arrests in schools; that 80 people were arrested on the streets; that 77 members of the Committee Against Racism were arrested for disorderly conduct on a bus route in South Boston. DeGive reports that officials are calling the opening day a success. Visual: Footage of Arthur Gartland (Citywide Coordinating Council) saying that the schools opened successfully; that attendance was lower than projected; that police patrols assured the safety of students in schools; that he hopes attendance figures will rise. 3:04:48: Gary Griffith reports from police headquarters. Griffith reports that two white males were arrested for possession of Molotov cocktails in Roslindale; that two Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Prescott School in Charlestown; that firefighters at the Prescott School were stoned by youths who fled the scene; that a group of 60 youth were heading toward Cleary Square in Charlestown with antibusing signs; that two motorcades of 100 cars each were reported in South Boston and Charlestown; that a crowd in South Boston was throwing objects at police motorcycle units; that there is a fire at 83 Beal Street in Brookline, the birthplace of John F. Kennedy; that the fire on Beal Street may have been started by a Molotov cocktail. 3:06:52: Paul deGive reports that opening day at Charlestown High School was uneventful; that helicopters circled overhead and a sharpshooter was posted on the roof; that US Marshals were present. DeGive reports that some white students broke the boycott and attended school; that 66 African American students arrived without incident. V: Footage of media crews at the foot of the Bunker Hill Monument; of a sharpshooter on the roof of Charlestown High School; of US Marshals headed toward the school; of white students entering the school; of African American students exiting buses and entering the school. DeGive reports that there were frequent confrontations between Charlestown residents and police on Bunker Hill Street; that 400 police were present; that they were kept busy dispersing crowds of residents. DeGive reports that 8 police officers on motorcycles bore down with little warning on a group of 30 demonstrators sitting down on Bunker Hill Street; that the demonstrators took refuge in the Bunker Hill Housing Project; that police and media followed the demonstrators into the housing project where angry crowds had gathered. DeGive reports that Mrs. Frank VanGorder (local resident) verbally attacked Captain Bill MacDonald (Boston Police Department) for using dangerous means to break up a nonviolent demonstration. V: Footage of police officers marching down Bunker Hill Street; of officials in civilian clothes with riot helmets and nightsticks. Shots of photographs of police officers on motorcycles; of crowds gathered in front of the Bunker Hill Housing Project; of police breaking up crowds in the housing project; of police lining the streets outside of the housing project; of Charlestown teenagers sitting on wall with racist graffiti. DeGive reports that the gathered crowds were chanting Charlestown football cheers; that the demonstration was peaceful; that the police were effective on the whole, but perhaps rough during the sit-down demonstration. DeGive reports that police were taken by surprise in the afternoon, when a gang of 100 youth overturned two cars, vandalized cars at Bunker Hill Community College and beat up an African American student at the college. DeGive reports that the incident occurred as police were overseeing the end of the school day at the high school; that many residents objected to the police presence on Bunker Hill Street; that Charlestown community leaders met with Captain MacDonald to discuss the community's grievances; that Dennis Kearney (State Representative) told MacDonald that the community resented the intrusion of helicopters, the Tactical Patrol Force and hundreds of other police officers into their community; that Kearney told MacDonald that demonstrators were given no warning before police motorcycles charged them . V: Still photos of Kearney; of police motorcycles. DeGive reports that Kearney said that the media acted irresponsibly; that there were too many media crews in Charlestown. DeGive reports that African American attendance at Charlestown High School was off by 170 students; that less than half of the white students attended school. 3:10:48: Baumeister reports that the opening of South Boston High School was different this year than it was the previous year; that police and US Marshals were present; that police dispersed crowds around the school which numbered more than three people; that police scrutinized the press credentials of the media. Baumeister reports that the buses arrived late; that students were not allowed to exit the buses for several minutes; that a crowd gathered on G Street, but was kept away from the school by police. V: Footage of police and US Marshals stationed outside of the high school; of the street outside of the high school; of buses pulling up to the school; of a crowd gathered in the distance; of African American students entering the school. Baumeister reports that 78 African American students out of 432 attended South Boston High School; that 216 out of 785 white students attended. V: Footage of three white female students passing by police to enter the school; of police cars and motorcycles escorting buses out of South Boston. Baumeister reports that the school day ended peacefully; that no buses were stoned; that there were 77 arrests in South Boston; that most of the arrests were for disorderly conduct; that those arrested were arraigned in South Boston. V: Footage of African American students being interviewed after school. One student says that it was better this year than last year. 3:12:57: DeGive reports that school officials were very pleased with the opening of schools. V: Footage of Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) at a press conference at the Boston Schools Information Center. Fahey says that 162 schools opened; that the schools were prepared with learning programs for every child; that there were no arrests or suspensions; that she is optimistic about the coming school year. 3:14:16: Judy Stoia is in the studio with Eileen Sweeney (student, South Boston High School), Joan McDonough (student, South Boston High School) and Kevin Davis (student, South Boston High School). Sweeney reads a prepared piece about the opening day of school. She says that there was a heavy police and media presence; that she had to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the school; that police and aids inside the school were friendly; that it is difficult to go anywhere in the school without a pass; that white students must wait to be dismissed from school until African American students have boarded the buses and left. Sweeney says that many white students have jobs after school; that white students should not have to wait until African American students are gone, especially if the buses are late. 3:16:37: McDonough reads a prepared piece about her day at school. She comments on police and media presence at the school, the metal detector at the entrance, and the low attendance. McDonough says that she spent the morning in the cafeteria while a counselor prepared her class schedule; that twenty students were without class assignments; that she felt some tension between white students and African American students as they waited for their class schedules; that there was little interaction between white students and African American students; that she does not think that there will ever be interaction between the two groups, "because you can't force people to be friends." 3:18:38: Judy Stoia interviews Davis about the experience of being bused into South Boston High School. Davis says that he was relieved that the police presence was not made up only of Boston police; that today was the first time he has ever been in South Boston; that he was more worried about Boston police officers than demonstrators; that some Boston police officers are not protecting the African American students; that African American students on the buses into South Boston were nervous; that there is a lot of tension in the school; that it won't take much to ignite the tension. Sweeney says that the level of tension is lower this year than during the previous year; that tension will build if the attendance numbers rise. Davis says that he got along with the white students today in South Boston. McDonough says that she believes that whites and African Americans can get along, but not in a situation where they are forced to be together. McDonough says that she went to a private school last year and got along with the "colored" people there; that the situation in South Boston is different because the two groups are forced on each other. Davis compares forced busing to an imaginary situation in which Stoia would be forced to leave WGBH and go to another station. Davis says that he feels like a pawn in a chess game; that he has no ability to make his own decisions. Sweeney says that people do not react well when they are forced to do something. Stoia points out that Sweeney and McDonough are not being bused; that nothing has been forced on them. Sweeney points out that it is difficult for students to interact normally with police present at all times; that the heavy media coverage puts pressure on the school; that it is not a normal situation at South Boston High School. Davis says that he cannot comment on whether white students and African American students at South Boston High School will get along; that each individual person is different in how they interact with others. 3:25:19: DeGive reports that only 14 white students out of 241 attended Roxbury High School today; that 165 African American students out of 322 attended; that Roxbury High School is participating in a court-ordered pairing of public schools with universities and cultural institutions; that Roxbury High School is paired with Harvard University under this program. 3:26:19: Pam Bullard interviews Joyce Grant (Harvard University) and James Mullan (Assistant Headmaster, Roxbury High School) in the studio. Bullard mentions that the idea of pairing public schools with universities and businesses is not a new one. Mullan says that a planning team of students, parents, aides, and teachers worked with members of the Harvard staff to develop programs and workshops in reading, math and computing. Grant says that Harvard provides additional resources to the schools; that the reading program focuses on communication; that students need to be able to read, analyze and communicate to excel in any subject. Grant says that she works with an assistant and a secretary on the Roxbury High School project; that she is trying to draw upon the resources at Harvard; that the staff at Harvard can learn from the project. Mullan says that the ninth grade students are clustered in order to identify their needs more quickly; that teachers work with students within the clusters; that the flexible campus program will be tied in with the Harvard programs. Grant says that Harvard would like to encourage internships and apprenticeships among the seniors; that Harvard would like to help them with training and summer jobs; that they would like to give individual attention to each senior. Grant uses the example of a student interested in the medical field. She says that the student could gain exposure to many different aspects of the medical field through an internship with the Harvard School of Medicine. Grant says that Harvard has started working on opportunities for Roxbury students through the School of Medicine. Mullan says that the teachers at the high school are enthusiastic about the program. 3:35:10: Baumeister reports that the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) has sent an official to oversee the opening of schools under Phase II desegregation. Baumeister reviews the credentials of Dr. Herman Goldberg (US Office of Education), who is in the studio with Bullard. 3:36:27: Bullard interviews Goldberg about his presence in Boston. Bullard says that the regional office of HEW has been working with the schools on desegregation; that he is in Boston to oversee the spending of federal money granted to the Boston public schools for desegregation; that he is here to give advice and support to Superintendent Fahey and her staff. Bullard explains that he was superintendent of schools in Rochester, NY, when that school system underwent desegregation; that school desegregation in Rochester was accomplished through open enrollment in schools and a resolution by the school board; that a large urban school system is never desegregated voluntarily. Bullard mentions that David Matthews (head, US Department of Health, Education and Welfare) is an outspoken opponent of busing. Goldberg says that personal opinions should not get in the way of federal law; that HEW aids school desegregation however it can. Bullard says that Boston has received the largest grant in the nation to aid in school desegregation; that the school system has received 3.9 million dollars; that Goldberg can recommend that the Boston schools receive more money if needed; that the school system needs to show that the programs are working. Bullard says that the Boston school system has had a slow start in administering programs due to changes in staff and safety concerns; that programs with the universities are moving ahead; that planning for these programs is happening behind the scenes. Bullard says that HEW evaluates programs it sponsors; that HEW does not test students; that schools often administer tests to evaluate student progress; that HEW sponsors evaluation of programs by outside organizations. Bullard says that the school system is making progress in desegregation; that he has been having discussions with Superintendent Fahey and her staff; that students arrived on opening day and began their studies; that the focus should be on educating the students. 3:45:12: Baumeister reviews the Evening Compass broadcasts for the following day. DeGive previews the stories to be covered in tomorrow's late edition. Credits roll.
Collection: Evening Compass, The
Date Created: 09/08/1975

Evening Compass

Description: Day 3, year 2 of desegregation. Reporters on set give accounts of day's events in school system. Ed Baumeister opens with press conference in which Metropolitan Distric Commission Police (MDC) Superintendent Lawrence Carpenter and mayoral spokesperson Peter Meade comment on student safety and “minority white” school system. Clip of Robert Donahue of School Department on student suspensions. Reporter Pam Bullard presents statistical figures for racial makeup of schools. Clip of Cardinal Medeiros on white influx to parochial schools. WGBH reporters discuss political significance of majority African American schools. At police command center, officers monitor communications to spot trouble and coordinate efforts of State, MDC, and Boston police forces: George Landry of Boston Police Department comments on the professional rivalry between groups. Reporter Gary Griffith reports on South Boston residents who are less vocal in protest than in year 1. Stills of bandaged Michael Coakley, allegedly beaten by the Tactical Patrol Force (TPF). Claims against brutality of TPF. Reporter Paul deGive discusses Charlestown residents' resentment of media and threatened retaliation against media presence. Stills of peaceful Charlestown marchers filling street. Gloria Conway, editor of Charlestown Patriot comments on the peaceful demonstration. Pam Bullard reports on location about Joseph Lee elementary school in Dorchester (first busing site) exterior and open classrooms. Lee School Principal Frances Kelley talks about school's program. Children line up to board bus; wave goodbye from inside bus as it pulls away.
2:12:09: Ed Baumeister introduces the show. Opening credits. Baumeister gives summary of the day's events: no arrests related to the schools; an orderly demonstration in Charlestown. Visual: Footage of the day's press conference by city officials. Baumeister asks if there are plans to reduce police presence. Lawrence Carpenter (MDC Police Superintendent) replies that he does not know; Peter Meade (Mayor's Office) doubts that there will be a reduction. Baumeister notes the absence of top officials from daily press conference; that present attendance levels in Boston schools indicate that white students are in the minority. V: Footage of Robert Donahue (Boston School Department) reporting on discipline in the schools. Donahue gives information on new student registration for the following day. Baumeister reports that attendance was 52,109 (68,4%). 2:16:01: Pam Bullard reports on the percentages of white and minority children in Boston schools. Bullard reports that under the court-ordered desegregation plan, 60 of 162 Boston schools are projected to be predominantly African American; that 46 of 115 elementary schools are projected to be predominantly African American; that current attendance levels put 61 of 115 elementary schools predominantly African American. Bullard reports that school officials fear that white children will become a minority in Boston schools. V: Footage of Meade talking about desegregation leading to a white minority in other urban school systems. Meade says that one could project a non-white majority in the future based on elementary school enrollments; that racial imbalance in Boston schools is unfortunate. Bullard reports that elementary enrollment is down 18% from previous year; that 73 whites of 306 have attended the Lee School so far; that 85 of 145 whites have attended the Morris School so far; that 86 of 136 whites have attended the Ripley School so far; that 75 of 148 whites have attended the Kilmer School so far. Bullard reports that many white parents enrolled children in private schools to avoid eventual busing; that Catholic schools are serving as a haven for anti-busers despite a pledge to the contrary by Humberto Cardinal Medeiros (Archdiocese of Boston). V: Footage of Medeiros saying that he would examine enrollment numbers at Catholic schools before determining any punishment for those who enrolled to avoid busing. Bullard reports that school officials are uncertain if white students will return. 2:21:49: Baumeister asks Bullard about the significance of a majority non-white school system. Bullard replies that a majority non-white school system may not receive sufficient funds from a white city government; that the city risks losing its white population. Baumeister reports on a rivalry among state, MDC and Boston police forces during the 1974 school year. 2:22:33: Donovan Moore reports on coordination among state, MDC and Boston police forces. Moore reports that school desegregation requires 100 federal marshals, 250 MDC police officers, 350 state troopers and 1,000 Boston police officers. V: Footage of officers sitting in front of radios at communications center in Boston Police Headquarters. George Landry (Boston Police Department) explains how the communications center operates. Officers are shown looking at a map of the city and working the radios. Moore reports that the center can communicate instantly with officers on the streets. Moore lists the different police forces. V: Shots of an MDC officer on horseback; of state police in front of South Boston High School; of Boston police officers walking on the street. Footage of Landry admitting to a spirit of competiveness among the police forces. Landry denies any hostility. 2:25:49: Gary Griffith reports that South Boston remains a stronghold of the anti-busing movement; that South Boston has been relatively quiet since the opening of school three days ago. V: Shots of photographs of Nancy Yotts (South Boston Information Center); of students in front of a high school; of African American students boarding buses. Griffith reports that the SBIC has accused the police department's Tactical Patrol Force (TPF) of police brutality; that the SBIC has produced witnesses including Michael Coakley, who says he was beaten by police. Griffith reports that the SBIC has demanded the withdrawal of the TPF from South Boston; that Warren Zanaboni (South Boston Marshals) says he tries to get South Boston youth off the streets at night. V: Shots of photographs of an SBIC poster in a store window; of Michael Coakley, with bandaged head and arm in a sling. Shot of a photograph of Zanaboni. Griffith reports on small skirmishes between police and South Boston youth during the previous three nights; that the MDC police and the police in South Boston have a good working relationship with the South Boston Marshals; that the TPF does not have a good relationship with the marshals; that four arrests were made by the TPF the previous evening; that South Boston residents say the trouble would subside if the TPF withdrew. 2:28:55: Paul deGive reports that relations between between Charlestown residents, the police and the news media show slight improvement; that rumors circulated in the morning that residents would target the media; that the media tried not to antagonize the residents during the mother's march. V: Shots of photographs of mother's march in Charlestown; of prayer meeting at the St. Francis de Sales church; of camerapeople covering the march; of peaceful street scenes in Charlestown; of police patrolling streets. DeGive reports that the police did not crowd the marchers; that Superintendent Joseph Jordan (Boston Police Department) was calmly watching events develop; that police were quietly patrolling the streets. V: Footage of Gloria Conway (Editor, Charlestown Patriot) interviewed by deGive. Conway says that the police were wise to allow a peaceful demonstration because it allowed residents to vent their frustrations; that the police presence today seemed less aggressive and threatening; that many officers were covering their regular beats. DeGive reports that Conway, Dennis Kearney (State Representative) and community leaders requested that the TPF not be deployed in Charlestown. [ V: Shot of a photograph of Kearney in street. DeGive reports that Mon O'Shea (Associate Dean, Bunker Hill Community College) accused the TPF of creating a military-like atmosphere; that community leaders agree that some police presence is needed; that Kearney is seeking a way to keep Charlestown youth in check. 2:34:16: Baumeister adds that the atmosphere was calm and attendance was low at Charlestown High School. Bullard reports from the Joseph Lee School in Dorchester. Bullard notes that the Boston School Committee's decision to ignore the racial imbalance at the Lee School's opening provoked the lawsuit leading to court-ordered desegregation in Boston; that four years later, the Lee School is still racially imbalanced. V: Shots of photographs of the Lee School; of groups African American kids outside of Franklin Field Housing Project; of school classrooms. Bullard notes that the Lee School is located in an inner city neighborhood; that white students from West Roxbury were to be bused into the Lee School; that 73 whites out of 306 have attended the Lee School so far; that the school is an excellent but underutilized facility. V: Footage of Bullard interviewing Frances Kelley (Principal, Joseph Lee School). Kelley talks about enrichment programs at the Lee School. She says that the school opened with no problems; that white parents may be staying away due to safety concerns; that in the past, parents have been very satisfied with the Lee School. Footage of children exiting school and boarding buses. Bullard notes that children assigned to the Lee this year will stay for subsequent grades; that desegregation has failed so far at the Lee. V: Footage of African American children outside of Lee School; of white children leaving the school on a bus. 2:40:07: Baumeister talks about the evening's late newscast and closes show. Credits roll.
Collection: Evening Compass, The
Date Created: 09/10/1975