L.C. Anderson High School and Integration of Austin’s Public Schools
historical marker
This historical marker, erected in 2018 by the Texas Historical Commission, recognizes L.C. Anderson High School and its role in the integration of Austin’s public schools. It is located in Austin, Travis County. L.C. Anderson High School was established in 1909 as E.H. Anderson, renamed in 1938. For decades, it was Austin's only public high school for African American students. In 1953, a modern building was constructed for Anderson High School, part of an effort to "equalize" segregated facilities. After the 1955 Brown v. Board of Education decision, Austin implemented a "freedom of choice" program for high school students. However, Austin's public schools remained largely segregated. In 1968, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare declared the Austin Independent School District noncompliant with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A federal court order in 1971 closed L.C. Anderson High School at this site. Students were bused to predominantly white high schools. This closure impacted the cohesiveness of Austin's African American community. This site marks a key point in Austin's school integration history.