Bill Summary
This resolution acknowledges and honors the significant efforts made towards desegregating Girard College in Philadelphia, highlighting the contributions of key leaders in the African-American civil rights movement. It outlines the historical context, beginning with the establishment of Girard College in 1848, which originally admitted only white male orphans. The resolution emphasizes the legal battles led by figures like Raymond Pace Alexander and the eventual Supreme Court ruling in 1957 that deemed the racial ban at Girard College unconstitutional. It also recognizes the activism of Cecil B. Moore and the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, which played a crucial role in advocating for integration and civil rights. The resolution calls for ongoing recognition of African-American history and the importance of protecting diversity and civil rights in educational institutions across the nation.
Possible Impacts
The legislation recognizing the desegregation efforts at Girard College in Philadelphia has several potential impacts on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Historical Awareness and Education**: This resolution highlights the significant events and figures in the civil rights movement, particularly in Philadelphia. By documenting and acknowledging the struggles for desegregation at Girard College and the broader implications of these efforts, it fosters a greater understanding among students, educators, and the public about the history of racial inequality and the ongoing fight for civil rights. This education can inspire current and future generations to continue advocating for equality and justice.
2. **Empowerment of Marginalized Communities**: Recognizing the contributions of African-American leaders and the civil rights movement can empower marginalized communities. It validates their historical struggles and achievements, fostering a sense of pride and identity. This empowerment can lead to increased community engagement, activism, and advocacy for civil rights and social justice initiatives, encouraging individuals to continue fighting for equality in education and beyond.
3. **Policy and Institutional Change**: The resolution emphasizes the importance of protecting diversity and civil rights in educational institutions. This recognition can influence policies at colleges and universities across the nation, prompting them to implement or strengthen affirmative action programs, diversity initiatives, and anti-discrimination policies. As institutions recognize their roles in fostering inclusive environments, this can lead to improved access and opportunities for underrepresented students, directly impacting their academic and social experiences.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1071 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1071
Recognizing the desegregation efforts at Girard College in
Philadelphia, and the leaders involved in African-American integration
and civil rights expansion.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 23, 2026
Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr.
Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Norton, Mr. Ivey, Mr. Johnson
of Georgia, Mrs. Beatty, and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the desegregation efforts at Girard College in
Philadelphia, and the leaders involved in African-American integration
and civil rights expansion.
Whereas Philadelphia is a diverse city, comprised of generations of African-
Americans who have contributed richly to United States history, and have
supported national efforts in commitments to justice, equality, and
diversity;
Whereas Temple University's exhibit, Civil Rights in a Northern City:
Philadelphia, documents several milestones in the city's civil rights
front that gained national attention, including the efforts to
desegregate Girard College;
Whereas Girard College was created in 1848 by Stephen Girard to admit ``poor
white male orphans, ages six to ten'', as cited in his will;
Whereas, in March 1954, 6 African-American boys were rejected by the Board of
City Trust at Girard College, citing Stephen Girard's will;
Whereas, starting in 1955, Raymond Pace Alexander, a member of the Philadelphia
City Council, led a series of legal battles citing the Brown v. Board of
Education decision to document Girard College's admittance practices as
contradicting the Brown decision;
Whereas the admissions barring was upheld by the Philadelphia Orphan's Court,
and then the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania;
Whereas, on April 29, 1957, the United States Supreme Court unanimously found
the racial ban at Girard College unconstitutional, reversing the
previous courts' decisions;
Whereas, in October 1957, Girard College became a private institution following
the United States Supreme Court's decision, and was allowed to uphold
its discriminatory admitting practices;
Whereas Cecil Bassett Moore was born on April 2, 1915, in West Virginia and died
in Philadelphia on February 13, 1979;
Whereas Cecil B. Moore was a former Marine Corps member, and attended law school
at Temple University in Philadelphia and received his degree in 1953;
Whereas Moore was elected president of the local Philadelphia chapter of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in
December 1962;
Whereas the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP was active in protesting
segregation, leading rallies and peaceful efforts for housing access and
equal work opportunity, gaining inspiration from the Southern Christian
Leadership Council;
Whereas Moore was committed to expanding voting rights to African-Americans,
helped organize protests, and pushed for the integration of Black
students at Girard College;
Whereas, in May 1965, the NAACP led picketing at Girard College, and the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke to demonstrators at the
college that same year;
Whereas, on March 4, 1968, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling
that the 7 African-American students must be admitted; and
Whereas, on May 23, 1968, Girard College voted to admit the students: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the importance of the desegregation efforts
at Girard College and the Philadelphian leaders that supported
the local and national civil rights movements;
(2) recognizes and uplifts ongoing efforts that highlight
African-American stories and history; and
(3) recognizes the need to continue protecting diversity at
colleges and universities throughout the Nation, and the civil
rights of students.
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