Maxwell AFB, DoDEA reflect on pioneering public school integration in Alabama

This year, the Department of Defense Education Activity celebrates 75 years of educating, engaging and empowering military-connected students. DoDEA is also proud of their history of advocacy for justice and equality.

In fact, in 1963, Maxwell Air Force Base's DoDEA school, Maxwell Elementary/Middle School, was one of only three integrated public schools in the state of Alabama.

"Maxwell was at the forefront of integrated public education in the South," said Col. Eries Mentzer, 42nd Air Base Wing commander. "The DoDEA school was necessary in 1963 to ensure Airmen at Maxwell had the Freedom to Serve, the ability to rise to their best knowing that regardless of race, their military children had access to high quality, integrated public education."

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