5-4

Palmer v. Thompson

May 2, 2023

Dive into the intriguing case of Palmer v. Thompson, where Jackson, Mississippi chose to close public pools to dodge integration. Explore the historical fight for desegregation in the South and the troubling consequences of 'leveling down' public services. The discussion digs into the complexities of systemic racism woven into legal decisions, revealing the detrimental legacy of segregation on marginalized communities. It’s an eye-opening look at equality and the subtleties of law amid the backdrop of civil rights struggles.

52:56

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Quick takeaways

The Palmer v. Thompson case reveals how municipalities like Jackson, Mississippi, strategically evaded desegregation by closing public facilities instead of integrating them.

The Supreme Court's ruling highlighted the troubling precedent of overlooking racial motives in legislation, significantly impacting future civil rights and public service access debates.

Deep dives

Historical Context of Palmer v. Thompson

The case of Palmer v. Thompson arises from the civil rights struggles in the 1970s, where states resisted integration efforts through various means, including closing public facilities. In Jackson, Mississippi, when ordered to desegregate public pools, the city instead opted to shut them down entirely, claiming it was an economic necessity and a means to maintain public order. This decision followed a broader pattern of municipalities trying to evade integration mandates by eliminating services rather than complying with desegregation. Such actions reveal the underlying motivations of segregationist policies, where rather than share resources, cities preferred to exclude Black residents from public services.

Intro

2min

Desegregation Dilemmas: The Fight for Jackson's Public Pools

9min

Racial Discrimination and Public Pools

26min

The Consequences of Leveling Down: A Discussion on Equality and Public Services

5min

The Legacy of Segregation and Discriminatory Policies

9min

Exploring Legal Nuances and Upcoming Discussions

2min

Jackson, Mississippi out here with the supervillian-level attitude towards public goods - "if I have to share, then no one can have it."

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5 to 4 is presented by Prologue Projects. Rachel Ward is our producer. Leon Neyfakh and Andrew Parsons provide editorial support. Our production manager is Percia Verlin. Our website was designed by Peter Murphy. Our artwork is by Teddy Blanks at Chips NY, and our theme song is by Spatial Relations.

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5-4

Palmer v. Thompson