John F. Kennedys 1963 Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights

In his speech, President Kennedy responds to the threats of violence and obstruction on the University of Alabama campus following desegregation attempts, explaining that the United States was founded on the principle that all men are created equal and thus, all American students are entitled to attend public educational institutions, regardless of race. He also discusses how discrimination affects education, public safety, and international relations, noting that the country cannot preach freedom internationally while ignoring it domestically. The President asks Congress to enact legislation protecting all Americans voting rights, legal standing, educational opportunities, and access to public facilities, but recognizes that legislation alone cannot solve the country s problems concerning race relations. Columbia Broadcasting System. Nonexclusive licensing rights held by the JFK Library Foundation. View multilingual transcripts at: