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Our children might all be in public school today were it not for an improbable conflict more than seventy years ago involving unlikely participants in unexpected roles: the Ku Klux Klan and the Society of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary. It led to the Supreme Court decision Pierce v. Society of Sisters, which is the cornerstone of parental rights in America today. The parties and actions that led to the decision form one of the most astonishing of history lessons, one that demonstrates how the monolithic public school system could be turned into an ideological tool for any opportunistic group.
It happened in Oregon in 1922. A state ballot initiative passed requiring all children ages 8 to 16 to attend public --- and only public --- schools. The King Kleagle of the KKK hailed the victory by offering these congratulatory words: "[The Ku Klux Klan] with its white-robed sentinels keeping eternal watch, shall for all time, with its blazing torches as signal fires, stand guard on the outer walls of the Temple of Liberty, cry out the warning when danger appears and take its place in the front rank of defenders of the public schools."
Following a logic peculiar to itself, the KKK successfully channeled its hatred of diverse groups into a statewide effort to coerce all children into public schools. To be sure, the KKK thought, and still thinks, that anyone who isn't a child of Albion in color, ethnicity and creed is inherently inferior, but they came to see public schooling of all children as a good thing. It was a canny strategy. The close mixing of races and religions might be temporarily distasteful, but well worth the prize in the long run: control over children's minds.
Their rhetoric pointed attention in another, more patriotic, direction; a Klansmen leader pronounced, "I believe that our Free Public School is the cornerstone of good government and that those who are seeking to destroy it are enemies of our Republic and are unworthy of citizenship."
Be assured that public schools in Oregon were in no jeopardy of impending 'destruction' when the Klan set about to destroy private schools; only 7% of Oregon elementary school students even attended private schools. The only possible explanation of what happened in Oregon in 1922 is that the KKK tried to take advantage of the overwhelming majority position of "their kind of people" to choke out the tiny minority groups in their midst. Oregon had a minuscule black population of 0.3%. Catholics amounted to only 8% of the whole. And at the close of an era when Ellis Island was a turnstile to immigrants by the millions, only 13% of Oregon's citizens were foreign born.
The Klan's signature was evident throughout the campaign, and they infiltrated other groups to promote their purposes. The Scottish Rite Masons, either as a front for the KKK or as a fellow in promulgating hate, took a leading role. A 1920 resolution of the Scottish Rite Masons declared,
"Resolved, That we recognize and proclaim our belief in the free and compulsory education of the children of our nation in public primary schools supported by public taxation, upon which all children shall attend and be instructed in the English language only without regard to race or creed as the only sure foundation for the perpetuation and preservation of our free institutions. "
Letters in the press more precisely reveal the paranoia at large in the populous. One man wrote, "young children in private schools have no defense against any private ideas antagonistic to our free institutions. We cannot afford to run this risk any longer, and we positively know that traitors are now at this deadly task." But it was not exactly private schools that the KKK and those who leagued with them took aim at; parochial schools were the main target: The initiative "is not a question of Catholics having the right to follow the teachings of their Dago pope, but the right of Protestants to educate their children by the best school system in the world", according to one letter. Another called children of Catholic schools "catechized monstrosities."
Minorities in Oregon rose in opposition, of course. The historical record finds the voices of Jews, German Lutherans, Seventh-Day Adventists, Catholics, and blacks raised in protest, with echoing support from elements of the Presbyterian, Unitarian and Congregational churches. Educators outside of Oregon joined in. The president of Yale called it "thought control." Surprisingly, Oregon's public school teachers supported the bill. A reading of teacher's periodicals indicates that to some extent they may have missed the point and gone to a defensive posture because they imagined that a vote against the bill was a vote against public schools. There is also in their writings a palpable tone indicating that paranoia and bigotry had infected their ranks, too.
On election day, the Oregon initiative to ban private schools passed, 115,506 to 103,685.
Opponents did not delay in taking the matter to court, and Governor Pierce found himself having to defend his constituent's duly enacted law. His attorney argued, "the great danger overshadowing all others which confront the American people is the danger of class hatred. . . [we] don't know any better way to fortify the next generation against that insidious poison than to require that the poor and the rich, the people of all classes and distinction, and of all different religious beliefs, shall meet in the common schools, which are the great American melting pot, there to become . . . the typical American of the future. "
The Supreme Court saw otherwise and rejected the Oregon law in a 9-0 vote. In Pierce v. Society of Sisters the Court gave us our firmest avowal of the fundamental rights of parents--no small result.
On the other hand, the Pierce decision treated a festering symptom without treating the cause. While it averted an immediate threat to freedom at that time, it did not eliminate a deep vulnerability that persists to our time. As long as America's children have no choice but to attend public schools, groups from the margin and groups in the mainstream will grapple for command of the Grand American Curriculum.
It's not hard to identify a threat when it shows up in bed linens, illuminated by burning crosses and preaching overt racism. Now then, what if it appears dressed in fashions from JCPenneys, spotlighted by the kleig lights of TV, and touting the latest politically correct persuasions?
Extreme or subtle, the threat is the same. Only one action will protect us: the separation of school and state.
Jackie Orsi is a freelance writer in Moss Beach, California. She also serves as a Trustee for the California Homeschool Network.
Another link:
Excellent history lesson. Worth a bookmark and a BUMP.
Interesting post, Vince.
"The King Kleagle of the KKK..."
I'd also like to know what a Kleagle does, especially the King Kleagle. hehe
I'd also like to know what a Kleagle does, especially the King Kleagle. hehe
I think he's in charge of all the other Kleagles. Just my guess though.
I think he's in charge of all the other Kleagles. Just my guess though.
All of them except Kris Kleagle.
Okay, what does a regular old Kleagle do?
Sorry, but you've reached the limit of my knowledge of Klan bureaucracy. I have no idea what a Kleagle really is, so if you want a serious answer, I'm the last guy to ask.
Okay, what does a regular old Kleagle do?
Depends on which type of Kleagle. Kwasi-Kleagles follow other Kleagles around trying to fit in. Kommander Kleagles tell Kleagles and regular Klansmen what to do. Klarion Kleagles rally racist forces with kazoo marching music. Kleagle Kooks feed Klan members. Klanwatch Kleagles pose as Kleagles, but really answer to Morris Dees. Konfused Kleagles thought it was just a halloween party. Kommited Kleagles are the ones who do activist work, like raising money from brownie, I mean whitey, sales, and picketing black-tie dinners. And Kalifornia Kleagles just sit around waiting for the power to come back on.
ROTFLOL! I've got it now!
Actually, Vince, I was just trying to play straightman... um -woman! LOL
That was just too funny of a name to not try to do something with it! LOL
ROTFLM(white)AO
Quite an interesting bio, there, A.J.
Could I be so bold as to ask, exactly, why you want a Constitutional Convention. I understand your point -- because it's the law. I'd be nervous about all the liberals running around wanting to make changes to this "living, breathing document."
Just curious.
I thought a kleagle was a, um... feminine exercise thing.
Man, I can't wait for Laz or dead to see this thread.
Shall we flag them? LOL
Actually, Vince, I was just trying to play straightman... um -woman! LOL
Ok, you seemed serious, so since you kept asking the question, I was wondering if you were expecting a serious answer from me. You out-straighted me.
I also didn't mention one thing, because I don't have the whole story anymore. Maybe someone can help fill this in. There were two men who were in the Klan and worked on the Compulsary Education Act. Later, after the Klan started going out of style, they left and formed another organization called "Americans United for the Separation of Church and State." That group is still active in the fight against all initiatives that help private schools, and will be a leader in the anti-voucher side this time as well. I used to have those men's names, but don't anymore.
"Later, after the Klan started going out of style, they left and formed another organization called "Americans United for the Separation of Church and State."
You're serious? They're former KKK? That's interesting. I saw one of these bozos on O'Reilly, I believe, not so long ago. That certainly warrants investigation for the upcoming voucher battle. Let's take 'em out.
You are correct. Barry Lind, who we see on TV now and then is the head of AUSCS. He is up on capitol hill tonight trying to defeat Ashcroft. I joined AUSCS in 1974 for a few belief months while in college. Didn't realize the origins and the name sure sounded good.
Barry Lind! That's the guy on O'Reilly! Thanks for the name!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you are referring to this:
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/kegel.html
If KKK minions practice Kegle exercises regularly, then bladder control wouldn't be a problem, and KKK bedwetters could probably sleep better at night. A good nights sleep definitely reduces hatefulness.
The organization was formed around 1945-47? Do you know who started it, or was Barry one of them? He'd have to be pretty old to be a founder if he is still involved now.
I found this while I was looking around for the names. Most of it is interesting, but the bottom few paragraphs are timely.
If KKK minions practice Kegle exercises regularly, then bladder control wouldn't be a problem, and KKK bedwetters could probably sleep better at night. A good nights sleep definitely reduces hatefulness.
...Or at least make those sheets they wear cleaner.
Dang! Not ONE Kleagle in the whole link!
hmmm...
Could I be so bold as to ask, exactly, why you want a Constitutional Convention. I understand your point -- because it's the law.
The term used in Article V is actually Convention for Proposing Amendments. The main reason for calling one is precisely that it is the law. Besides that, there is the public ignorence and apathy about our founding principles, and even the everyday aspects of government. People like John McCain want bandaids like campaign finance reform, but that doesn't even touch the basic problem: American politics is increadibly trivial. In a purely libertarian country, nobody would care about the government because of its weakness. In our country, people care about the government(because they either pay through the nose to it or are dependant on it), but politics is trivial because the real decisions are made in executive agencies, safely tucked away from being influenced in a serious way by the common folk. This is a chance to remind the people that they are the masters, not servants, of the government. Even if nothing actually gets passed(a distinct possibility), it will have a bracing effect on self-governance, both in the republican sense of government answerable to the people and in the individualistic sense of making decisions for your own life yourself without needing the government's permission. A republic must occasionally return to its basic principles, and this will be a great public education in the whole Constitution in the same way that impeachment was an education on that part of the Constitution and the Florida thing was an education on its part. Like impeachment and the election, the Convention will be turbulent. There will be protests, vitriol, and probably legal challenges. This is a good thing. That's what the country needs right now. Besides, we're FReepers; we like that sort of thing.
There are also some amendments that need to be passed to push the government back into its limited, defined functions(which Congress would never pass because it would limit their own power), but for now we're focused on simply calling the Convention, a legal issue, not the political issue of what should come out of the Convention. I have my ideas, of course, but the time for me to air those ideas is only after the Convention is called.
I'd be nervous about all the liberals running around wanting to make changes to this "living, breathing document."
That is a valid concern, but I don't think the Left will be able to. To be ratified, and amendment needs three-fourths of the states to ratify it(either by state legislature or specially called conventions), and there aren't that many states willing to agree to most of what they want. If we can keep fraud down, I don't think we'll need to worry anyway. Even if the Left were sure to dominate, that wouldn't excuse not calling one any more than it would excuse not calling an election a democrat was likely to win.
That's about what I thought you were gonna say. Thanks.
I'm not quite sure how to take that.
I'd also like to know what a Kleagle does, especially the King Kleagle
Kleagle means organizer but in everyday Klan slang it just means 'leader', especially the leader of a small local group of klansmen(known as a klavern).
They've got lots of funny names for the various ranks: Dragon, Imperial Klaliff, Exalted Cyclops, Grand Goblin etc
Kpersonally I kdon't know how they kstand all these kextra k's!
Ok, here's your darn Kleagles:
In June 1920, Clarke and Simmons signed a contract that guaranteed Clarke a share of Klan profits. Clarke and Tyler would receive a good amount of money for every new KKK member, which the fee would be $10.00, $4.00 went to the Kleagle (an official in the KKK), $1 went to the King Kleagle (state leader of the Klan), $.50 to the Grand Goblin, and $2.50 to Clarke and Tyler. The final $2.00 went to Colonel Simmons. This promotion brought over 85,000 new Klan members, and over $85,000 in Klan profits.
From: gotpapers.com (a homework plagerism site, no kidding, I'm learning lots of new things tonight)
So, it looks kind of like a racist network marketing scheme. I think Kleagle stands for Klan-eagle.
You sure know how to make a guy work on his thread.
It was well thought out and sincere. That's what I meant.
In that case, thank you.
"They've got lots of funny names for the various ranks: Dragon, Imperial Klaliff, Exalted Cyclops, Grand Goblin etc
Kpersonally I kdon't know how they kstand all these kextra k's!"
LOL! Wonder why they gave themselves such silly names? I mean, how could you take a Grand Goblin seriously?
You're welcome.
"You sure know how to make a guy work on his thread."
LOL! Well, you REALLY didn't think you could throw something like "King Kleagle" out there and let it slip past, now, did you?
I believe the group originally started out as "Protestants and Other Americans United for the Separation of Church and State," later shortening the name. Here is a letter by an elderly priest who apparently grew up in Oregon during the Pierce lawsuit. The Texas Handbook has information on one of POAUSCS's founders, a Joseph Martin Dawson, claiming that he preached against racial prejudice and the Klan. Now this could just be the Texas Chamber of Commerce making nice with history, or the Klan connection could be a false lead. The first instance of "wall of separation between Church and State" in Supreme Court jurisprudence didn't occur until the 1950's, if I heard Michael Medved correctly the other day. Since AUSCS began in 1947, I wonder whether it helped get that phrase into the ears of the sitting justices. Activism didn't start with the sixties, after all.
Another piece on AU, no Klan connections though. Perhaps they were subverted, and want to disavow their past.(Wonder when the name change happened?)
One last thing: there is a case called "Protestants & Other Americans United for Separation of Church & State v. Essex (1971)". I have to sleep now, or I'd look into it. It may be of relevance, though.
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Although I don't know the names, I'm pretty sure of the connection. It was LarryLied who first told me about it a couple of years ago on another thread. I think the names of the two were on that thread, and I simply went out to AUSCS website and looked in their web page on their own history, and found the two names mentioned as their founders. Nothing was mentioned about their Klan history, of course, but the men were named both in a Klan article and on the AUSCS website, so I am confident of the link. I went to their website again a few months ago, and saw no pages describing their founders, so maybe too many people made the connection.
Glad someone picked up on it! Think I found a passing reference to the Klan and Lynde's groups (AUSCS) by some material www.sepschool.org sent me.
I do know they were very anti-Catholic when I joined 30 odd years ago. As was the Klan in New England at that, and previous times. I sent them one dues payment and when I found out what they were really about, that ended it.
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