“No, we haven’t met with the rest of the board yet,” said Thomas Washington.
“We aren’t interested in hearing your arguments that Maizie finish her studies elsewhere. So we will save ourselves from such a discourse. Here is our offer. You will formally apologize to me and my family for destroying our confidence and admiration for Drury College. We thought from the beginning our Maizie would be treated fairly. Now we know we were wrong. I have paid her fees for instruction and made many philanthropic gestures. I have offered funds to support a Glidewell scholarship to be given to worthy students who, like Maizie, were orphaned and have musical talent. And I will add that, should you find a worthy student of color, I will pay his or her tuition and fees as well. Of course that fact is contingent upon Drury’s decision to be a college of racial equality. But Maizie will stay here and receive her earned diploma, as is her right.”
“Mr. Glidewell, we can’t do that! There are laws. Coloreds aren’t allowed here,” said Mr. Washington.
“This is a Christian school, founded on Christian principles. Do I have to explain the hypocrisy in your thinking?” asked James.
“No sir. You certainly do not need to explain to me Christian principles. I’m well studied in my beliefs and believe they are founded in the Bible.”
“To me, sir, you are a heartless and callous man. You say Maizie is colored because you have a feeling about these things. You say she is colored because of her last name and it is your duty to expose her? Sir, may I ask, did you see her performance?”
“Yes, I did. She and the entire cast were quite good.”
“Did you see her as a colored person? A white person?”
“I was surprised that she didn’t look particularly colored. I thought she probably had a lot of makeup on. She’s hiding her true self. She’s been deceptive. If she’d been honest when she entered, she wouldn’t have been allowed into this college.”
“Truth is, Mr. Washington, no one in admissions asked her about her race. Do you realize your conclusion is based purely on assumptions that may or may not be true? If they had asked Maizie about her race, she would have told them the little she knows of her heritage. We entered into an implied agreement on that day that if Maizie met the mark, she could stay and earn a diploma. And she has met that mark and many more.”
Thad Wells placed copies of a document in front of both Dr. Charing and Mr. Washington. He explained, “You will notice that this simply states that in compliance with the implied agreement made in your admissions office, you will allow Maizie Sunday Freedman to complete her studies. You will adhere to an expectation that you will not discuss this matter in the board meeting tomorrow, nor will you make issue of the matter with Maizie. If we get word that you have not complied with our request for this matter to remain private, we will withdraw all of Mr. Glidewell’s generous support from your institution, as well as sue you for breach of contract,” explained Thad.
Mr. Washington and Dr. Charing exchanged glances. Dr. Charing asked if they might discuss the matter privately. James said, “Certainly, but we have little time remaining. Thad and I will be in the reception area.”
After fifteen minutes of heated discussion sounding through the door, Dr. Charing invited James and Thad back in.
James and his lawyer took their seats. “Mr. Washington and I have considered your position and proposal and we are ready to sign your document,” said Charing.
“We will certainly be more careful in the future not to allow coloreds in our school,” said Mr. Washington, his voice tinged with anger. As Charing and Washington signed the agreement, James and Thad waited.
When all four men were finished and their pens were placed in the provided ink wells, James slid to the front of his chair and leaned toward the hostile board member: “So, Mr. Washington, of the two things you considered in determining that Maizie was not eligible to attend classes here, which was the most persuasive in your decision, your feelings or her name?”
“It’s her last name, of course. Everyone looks out for a Freeman or a Freedman. The name is a dead giveaway.”
James raised an eyebrow and continued: “So, Mr. Washington, if her name had been say, Glidewell or Washington, as an example, you wouldn’t have had that feeling?”
“Well, I suppose not. I wouldn’t have been tipped off.”
“I see. Thad, my attorney here, did a little poking around before we came today. You see, he had a feeling, too.”
“About what?”
“About your name,” commented James.
“My name?”
“Yes, your name. Based on your logic we have concluded that you must be colored, and not eligible to be on the Drury college board.”
“What? Why, that’s laughable! Look at me! I’m white! My ancestors are from England.”
“Thad, you tell him,” smirked James.
“The surname Washington is the most common of all surnames chosen by freed slaves after the Civil War, more common even than Freedman. So we ask you, sir, are you of colored heritage?” Thomas Washington, his face no longer white but now bright red, stood to leave, tripped on the edge of the rug, regained his composure and walked out the door.
Dr. Charing sat at his desk with his head down while nervously twiddling his thumbs, “Drury College apologizes, Mr. Glidewell. I’m going to recommend that Mr. Washington be removed from our board,” said Dr. Charing.
“Because he’s colored?” James laughed.
“No, because he’s a narrow-minded fool.”
“That seems appropriate to me.”
“This is difficult, Mr. Glidewell.” Charing lowered his head, feigning interest in the paperwork on his desk.
“This is difficult. That apology?”
“Yes.”
“Put it in writing and make sure Mr. Washington signs it, and I will consider this matter concluded.”
“Yes, I will. Mr. Glidewell. I just have to ask, is Maizie colored? I never for a minute thought…”
“She is. Her mother was
