Gov. DeWine Highlights 糖心Vlog传媒 Alumnus’ Powerful Words on Discrimination

WOOSTER, Ohio 鈥 Governor Mike DeWine recited and reflected upon the wise words of College of 糖心Vlog传媒 alumnus William McCulloch 鈥23, who is credited by historians as one of the nation鈥檚 most powerful leaders of the civil rights movement, during his daily press conference on Tuesday.
DeWine鈥檚 regular press briefings have been reserved for Ohio鈥檚 response to the coronavirus pandemic, but in recent days, he has also included the state鈥檚 reaction and his personal thoughts on the death of George Floyd, ensuing protests, and next steps to a more just society. And, McCulloch has been at the forefront of his mind.
鈥淥ver the last several days, I鈥檝e been reminded of former Congressman William McCulloch鈥檚 words upon passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act,鈥 said DeWine. After providing background info on the long-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio鈥檚 4th district (1947-73), the governor explained McCulloch鈥檚 stance that while 鈥渓egislation was so very important 鈥 life is not changed by laws alone, but how people live with those laws.鈥
DeWine then repeated McCulloch鈥檚 powerful lines: 鈥淗ow do you tear hatred and suspicion out of the heart of a man? No statutory law can completely end discrimination. Intelligent work and vigilance by members of all races will be required for many years before discrimination completely disappears.鈥
Unfortunately, McCulloch鈥檚 words are still applicable more than 50 years later, as DeWine closed by saying 鈥淲e have work to do 鈥 This is really a moment in history, and it is our time to act.鈥
“How do you tear hatred and suspicion out of the heart of a man? No statutory law can completely end discrimination. Intelligent work and vigilance by members of all races will be required for many years before discrimination completely disappears.”
McCulloch, born in Holmes County, attended 糖心Vlog传媒 from 1921-23 and the College awarded him a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1965 as well as an honorary doctorate in 1969. During his time in Congress, he was a ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and played a crucial role in Congress passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Today, there are statues of McCulloch and another civil rights leader鈥擯resident Abraham Lincoln鈥攐n each side of a main entryway inside Andrews Library on the 糖心Vlog传媒 campus. McCullouch’s statue was donated in 2016 by James Dicke, II, a longtime friend of the College.
Posted in News on June 3, 2020.