dec 18, 1957 - Minnijean Is Suspended From Central High

Description:

Right before Christmas break, when Melba was going to relax and put integration aside, Minnijean was confronted by a large group of boys at lunch. Minnijean had bought lunch and was coming back to their lunch table when the group surrounded her. Melba and the other 3 of the little rock 9 that had her lunch couldn't do anything to help Minnijean without risking suspension. All that they could do was watch the chaos unfold as the boys were abusing Minnijean. Minnijean just froze in her tracks, refusing to do anything and get in trouble, "... and then her tray went flying, spilling chili all over two of the boys" (Beals 149). This led to Minnijean's suspension, and she and the other 8 realized now that the segregationists goal was to taunt them to get them expelled. After this they had to make sure that they didn't react to any of the segregationists taunting, no matter what.

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