S. Ernest Vandiver, 86; Georgia Governor During Integration of Schools

Former Gov. S. Ernest Vandiver, who won office vowing “no, not one” black child would integrate a Georgia classroom, but went on to preside over peaceful desegregation, has died. He was 86.

He died Monday evening at his Atlanta-area home, his family said Tuesday in a statement released by Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office.

Governor from 1959 to 1963, Vandiver had been elected on an anti-integration platform, but at a critical moment persuaded lawmakers to repeal a law requiring schools to be closed rather than desegregated.

The Democrat’s stand was credited with sparing Georgia the turbulence that swept much of the rest of the South in that period, but it cost him political support. He left office when his four-year term ended, and said later that keeping the schools open was “my political suicide.”

His “no, not one” phrase had been devised by Vandiver’s strategists to counter criticism from voters opposing integration after he had said the opening of Georgia’s schools should “evolve.” Years later, he noted that during the campaign, he made some “intemperate remarks [that] shouldn’t have been made.”

After being elected, Vandiver quickly found himself facing a series of federal court rulings that forced the integration first of Atlanta public schools and then of the University of Georgia.

Complying with integration orders, however, meant schools would be closed because of a 1955 state law requiring funds to be cut off to any college or school admitting a black student.

To cool charged emotions, Vandiver appointed a special commission that held hearings throughout the state.

Then, days after the courts ordered the desegregation of the University of Georgia in 1961, Vandiver called a special session of the Legislature and persuaded lawmakers to repeal the 1955 anti-desegregation law.

Vandiver ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 1972.

Born in Canon, Ga., Vandiver earned his bachelor’s and law degrees at the University of Georgia. After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he was elected mayor of Lavonia, Ga.

He went on to serve as campaign manager for Herman Talmadge’s successful run for governor in 1948. Vandiver was elected lieutenant governor in 1954

Survivors include his widow, Betty; a son and two daughters; and four grandchildren.