It Isn’t Always Black or White: Reflections of a High School Principal During Nashville’s Integration

This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) integration was a complicated process. Though a plan had been implemented in 1970, this plan was reversed by a higher court in 1981 resulting in school closings, teacher transfers, and students bussed miles from home just days before school started. These unexpected changes put burdens on principals, teachers, and staff, as they did their best in a time of uncertainty.

These stories, many never shared before, took place during the court-ordered integration plan, and the process of trying to educate students despite the chaos. They examine the experience of combining students from differing cultures, while striving for positive results for all. These differences were not always black or white. Dr. Mack Hargis, former teacher, coach, principal, and school board member, offers an insiders perspective on the path to the MNPSs integration.