House Approves Power To Close Public Schools

 "House Approves Power To Close Public Schools", By Charles M. Hills, Clarion Ledger, Jackson, MS, Wed, Apr 9, 1958, Page 1

Four acts, primarily designed to maintain segregation in the schools of this state, including one which allows boards of trustees to close classrooms, were unanimously approved by the lower house of the legislature here Tuesday. Voting laws are included. 

The House of Representatives also approved almost unanimously, by a vote of 100 to 5, two bills which tighten the welfare laws of this state to exclude assistance to "unsuited" families bearing illegitimate children and putting pressure on persons deserting their children. 

Rep. Joe Hopkins, Coahoma, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, steered the school closure bill and three other companion measures to passage in the House. 

Under terms of House Bill 934. approved 107-0, authorization is given the board of trustees of any school district, as supplemental to other authority vested in it, to close any one or more or all schools of the district, when, in its discretion, such would be to the best interest of the students and the community. 

The closure would be in order to preserve the public peace, order or tranquility of any school or the district. Provided also are causes for appeals.

ALLOW ASSISTANCE 

Another act. House Bill 937. authorizes the attorney general upon request and in his discretion, to render such services as he may deem necessary to assist in advising or representing any officer or employee of any school district, any agricultural high school and junior college district or institution of higher learning, and, any state official, should they be sued or prosecuted or proceeded against in any manner, in any state or federal court. 

This would be in case the ultimate purpose of the suits challenges or seeks to invalidate any statute or provision of the constitution of the state of Mississippi, dealing with the establishment, maintenance, operation, control, financing or determining who shall attend such schools. 

Still another measure, HB.9.1R, unanimously approved 110-0, authorizes the attorney general to render similar services to any circuit clerk, registrar, or any officers of a county or municipality prosecuted by the federal government in race cases. 

House Bill 935, the fourth anti-integration measure approved 114- 0, provides that the attorney general may investigate any organization seeking a charter in this state and determine whether such should be approved. 

FOUR BILLS SET 

The house set for special order at 2:30 p. m., Wednesday, four bills on the non-controversial calender, which would regulate foreign corporations doing business in this state; provide for incorporation of non-profit, non-share organizations; allow the attorney general to examine all records of corporations and require that foreign corporations appoint a resident agent ki the state. 

The House tabled a motion to reconsider the Mississippi Securities Act and also an act clarifying certain provisions of the employment security law.

It also refused to reconsider a bill passed last week, which allow trainmen and bus drivers to vote on absentee ballot. Rep. Barron Drewry, Alcorn, sought to get reconsideration to amend the act but failed. Rep. George (Doc) Carruth.

Pike, author of the act, saw the measure sent to the Senate for further action. Several other non-controversial measures were approved at the morning session of the House..