Education: First in Alabama

Wherever 26-year-old Autherine Lucy went on her first day at the University of Alabama last week, a policeman dogged her footsteps. "You get all kinds of assignments," the officer grumbled to a reporter, but there was good reason for this one. Four crosses had already been set on fire on the campus, for Autherine Lucy is a Negro.

She got into the university after a long fight in court. Finally, Federal Judge Harlan Hobart Grooms issued an injunction ordering the university to admit her. Trailed by her guard, she reported to her first class, sat alone in the first row, tried hard not to notice the freshman who stomped out of the room muttering: "For two cents I'd give up the course."

Though Autherine will not be allowed to sleep in any university dormitory or eat in any university dining room, these restrictions are apparently not enough for her fellow students. One night last week, 1,000 marched on the home of President Oliver C. Carmichael shouting, "To hell with Autherine" and "Keep 'Bama White!" Nonetheless. Autherine had chalked up something of a victory. She is the first of her race ever to be admitted into any white public school, college or university in Alabama.