Executive Order 9981

Definition

Executive Order 9981 was issued by President Truman on July 26, 1948. It called for equal treatment and opportunity in the military services regardless of race or color. This executive order played a pivotal role in beginning the process of desegregating the armed forces.

Related terms

Desegregation: Eliminating racial segregation or separation based on race in public facilities such as schools or transportation systems.

Brown v. Board of Education: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson.

Little Rock Nine: A group of African American students who enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957, challenging racial segregation in education. Their presence required federal intervention to protect them from violent opposition.