Leigh Ann Johnston

The Portrayal of Governor Wallace and Alabama's Two-year Colleges: a Content Analysis of Three Alabama Newspapers from 1963-1966 Leigh Ann Johnston

Even though former Governor George Wallace is often remembered for his segregationist stance on education in early to mid 1960s Alabama; he is credited, in part, with the advancement and growth of the two-year college system during the same time frame. This is evidenced in the names of junior colleges and community colleges in Alabama, many after George Wallace or his wife, Lurleen. Governor Wallace created and passed bills, including the 2-cent beer tax, enacted for the purpose of funding the two-year college system. Despite Governor Wallace's funding effort targeting this educational sector, his support for this arena did not garner the same level of coverage in local newspapers as his segregationist actions targeting k-12 and four-year universities, including his "stand" at the University of Alabama opposing integration. Framing theory is used as the framework for analyzing how Governor Wallace's relationship with the two-year college system was portrayed in three local Alabama newspapers during his first term as governor from 1963-1966. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 served as a comparison point to determine differences in coverage before and after the Act was passed.