Dovell Act Explained

The Dovell Act, or Stephens-Dovell Act,^[1] was legislation in the U.S. state of Virginia that provided out-of-state tuition to its African American residents, who were barred from attending in-state public institutions of higher learning during segregation. It passed in 1936 after Alice Jackson was denied admittance to the University of Virginia.^[2]

Jackson applied to UVA in 1935. After she was denied admission a graduate school was established at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.^[3] The Foster brothers were among those who used the tuition support program to study out of state.^[4] Jackson went on to pursue her studies at Columbia University.^[5] Several other states had similar programs.^[6]

Gregory Swanson sued to gain admission to University of Virginia Law School.^[7] He was admitted in 1950.

See also

• Ashton Dovell
• Murray v. Pearson
• Oliver Hill (attorney)
• School segregation in the United States
• Spottswood Robinson

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Journal of Negro Education. Charles Henry. Thompson. August 31, 1969. Bureau of Educational Research. Google Books.
2. Web site: Brock. Chad. Desegregation in Virginia. www.sutori.com.
3. Web site: Breaking and Making Tradition: Women at the University of Virginia. www.library.virginia.edu. 2003. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.
4. Web site: The Men of Jackson Ward: Richard and Wilbur Foster. Third District Automation. March 29, 2021. Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc..
5. Web site: The Key to the Door: Experiences of Early African American Students at the University of Virginia. Maurice. Apprey. Shelli M.. Poe. April 12, 2017. University of Virginia Press. Google Books.
6. Web site: The New Deal: The state and local levels. John. Braeman. Robert Hamlett. Bremner. David. Brody. August 31, 1975. Ohio State University Press. Google Books.
7. Web site: House Joint Resolution No. 489, Commemorating the life and legacy of Gregory Hayes Swanson. March 7, 2016. virginia.gov.