Today in History: Executive Orders 9980 & 9981
Today in History–July 26–the Primary Source Nexus features two presidential edicts signed by President Harry S. Truman on this date in 1948. Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 mandated, respectively, that “All personnel actions taken by Federal appointing officers shall be based solely on merit and fitness. . .” and “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” Follow the links below to learn more from primary sources.
Executive Orders 9980 and 9981
Executive Order 9980 | Executive Order 9981 Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
“Equality of Treatment and Opportunity”: Executive Order 9981 Stories from the Veterans History Project
No Action Yet on Truman’s FEPC Order The Voice (Lincoln, Nebraska) 07 Oct. 1948
Alabama Aide Refuses to Obey FEPC Order Fired by Treas. Dept. The Miami Times (Miami, Fla.) 20 Nov. 1948
Defied FEP Directive of President – Was Collector of Internal Revenue Jackson Advocate (Jackson, Miss.) 27 Nov. 1948
NAACP: A Century in the Fight for Freedom
- African American Soldiers during World War II
- President Truman’s Speech to the 38th Annual NAACP Convention
- Truman Executive Orders Barring Discrimination
The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom
African Americans at War: Fighting Two Battles Stories from the Veterans History Project
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