Was Nixon Pro Civil Rights?
The question of whether Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, was a proponent of civil rights has been a topic of debate among historians and political analysts. During his presidency, Nixon faced significant challenges regarding civil rights issues, and his actions and policies often left a mixed legacy.
Nixon’s stance on civil rights was complex. On one hand, he is often criticized for his administration’s failure to take strong action against racial discrimination. During his campaign for the presidency in 1968, Nixon promised to end the “Vietnam War and civil rights.” However, once in office, he seemed to prioritize other issues, such as law and order, over civil rights.
One of the most notable instances of Nixon’s lack of commitment to civil rights was his administration’s handling of the Kerner Commission report. The Kerner Commission was established in 1967 to investigate the causes of the urban riots that had plagued American cities in the previous years. The commission’s report concluded that the riots were a direct result of deep-seated racial discrimination and poverty. Despite the report’s recommendations for addressing these issues, Nixon’s administration largely ignored them.
However, it is important to note that Nixon did take some steps to address civil rights during his presidency. In 1969, he appointed the first African American Surgeon General, William H. Stewart, and the first African American Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Robert C. Weaver. Additionally, Nixon’s administration supported the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which aimed to protect the health and well-being of all Americans, regardless of race.
One of the most significant civil rights achievements during Nixon’s presidency was the passage of the Revenue Act of 1969, which included the first federal income tax deduction for tuition and fees paid by students attending historically black colleges and universities. This legislation was a direct response to the recommendations of the Kerner Commission and helped to provide financial support for minority students pursuing higher education.
Despite these efforts, many historians argue that Nixon’s presidency was marked by a lack of genuine commitment to civil rights. His administration’s focus on law and order, as well as his campaign against the “war on drugs,” which disproportionately affected African American communities, have been cited as evidence of his failure to address the root causes of racial discrimination.
In conclusion, while Richard Nixon did take some steps to address civil rights during his presidency, his overall record on the issue is mixed. His administration’s failure to fully implement the recommendations of the Kerner Commission and its focus on law and order over civil rights have led many to question whether he was truly a proponent of civil rights. The debate over Nixon’s stance on civil rights continues to this day, with historians and political analysts still evaluating the impact of his policies on American society.
