Memorandum Regarding the Creation of the Civil Rights Commission (1957)

Date: November 12, 1957

Created By: Maxwell M. Raab

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The Presidency, Civil Rights

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: E. Frederic Morrow Records, Box 10, Civil Rights Commission; NAID #12190135

Key Topics: Civil Rights Act of 1957, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Little Rock Crisis, federal civil rights policy, Montgomery Bus Boycott, Department of Justice

This memorandum, written by Cabinet Secretary Maxwell M. Rabb was prepared for White House Chief of Staff Sherman Adams before President Dwight D. Eisenhower met with former Supreme Court Justice Stanley Reed. Eisenhower hoped to persuade Reed to serve on the newly created U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

The memorandum outlines the major discussion points the President could use during the meeting, including the Commission’s purpose, its relationship with the White House, the importance of maintaining its independence, and its potential role in investigating major civil rights issues such as the Little Rock Crisis. The document offers valuable insight into how the Eisenhower administration envisioned the Commission’s responsibilities during the early years of the modern Civil Rights Movement.