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TRUE COPY CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS ' Lucy Randolph Mason 75 Ivy Street, N.E. Southern Public Relations © March 1h, 1951 Atlanta 3, Georgia Representative LO Pryor Street, S. We Kone de Howard weorath ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED Washington, D. Ce HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED “DATE.A/. BY SPE: ~~ Dear Mr. McGrath: As a member of the Executive Council of the Highimder Folk School, I was pleased to know from Myles Horton, the director, that a number of people had written to you comerning the recent visit to the School of FEI agents. It is very disturbing that when the FBI visits the school the question of Negro attendance there seems to be a contribute ing factor in confusing the School with Commmnism. This is very dangerous, as I am sure you will agree. In fact this whole manifestation of confusion in the minds of reactionary people between unions, Negroes and Communists comes up often enough to deserve thought and care — and some basic instruction to FBI investigators, especially those who are southern and have deep prejudices ~ against Negroes, and often against CIO union peoples I have been on the Highlander Council for some twelve years and have knovm the School for a longer time. I rarely miss a meeting. Also I have taught in the School almost every season and have spent days there. So I can testify from personal knowledge that the School is a sound, healthy institution, doing a good job in helping train union leaders (AFofL as well If high character, devotion to the workers' cause, and belief that union members wil] be better leaders and citizens for having had some ‘workers! education" spells Communism, it can only do so with very ignorant and prejudiced persons. Even though @ sever case of flu prevented my writing nearer the time of the incident that caused the letters, I am writing now as I am sure you will want to know what reactions followed the FBI visit to Highlander. om af 4 Cordially yours, «. /e/ Lucy Reason enCLOSURS Pee