President John F. Kennedy’s Report to the American People on Civil Rights, 11 June 1963

CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) motion picture excerpt of President John F. Kennedy’s full radio and television report to the American people on civil rights.

See “Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1963: Item 237.”

In his speech the President responds to the threats of violence and obstruction on the University of Alabama campus following desegregation attempts, explaining that the United States was founded on the principle that all men are created equal and thus, all American students are entitled to attend public educational institutions, regardless of race.

He also discusses how discrimination affects education, public safety, and international relations, noting that the country cannot preach freedom internationally while ignoring it domestically.

The President asks Congress to enact legislation protecting all Americans’ voting rights, legal standing, educational opportunities, and access to public facilities, but recognizes that legislation alone cannot solve the country’s problems concerning race relations.