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November 24, 1958

MEMO

TO: Director, State Sovereignty Commission

FROM: Zack J. VanLandingham

SUBJECT: CLYDE KINNIARD [sic]
RACE AGITATOR^[strikethrough]0[strikethrough]^

At the meeting of the state Sovereignty Commission on November 20, 1958, Governor Coleman stated that he had received information that a Negro, Clyde Kinniard, age approximately 25, who lives out from Hattiesburg, Mississippi intended to apply for admission to Mississippi Southern College next semester which begins January 5, 1959. Governor Coleman said he understood Kinniard had been to several colleges and universities. He suggested that the file at Mississippi Southern College regarding Kinniard's application, and information relative to the schools he had attended be photostated and it be determined why he left the other colleges and universities and whether he departed in good standing. He said Kinniard had been unable to secure the necessary recommendations from former alumni but he felt sure the Supreme Court would invalidate the requirements for such recommendation.

Governor Coleman requested that the investigation be completed by December 20, 1958, in order that whatever action deemed desirable might be taken prior to registration day, January 5, 1959.

LEADS: At Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will determine from Mississippi Southern College what application and papers Kinniard has on file affecting previous background, history,

open assign

T 12/15

1-27-1

[stamp of STATE SOVEREIGNTY COMMISSION with date of NOV 25 1958 with lines for INDEXED, SERIALIZED, and FILED, signed Van Landingham, initialed by [?]]

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MEMO - Director, State Sovereignty Commission Page 2

employment and education. I will conduct appropriate investigation at various places indicated regarding the past life and activities of Kinniard.