President Kennedy initially approached civil rights policies cautiously.
President Kennedy's approach to civil rights policies can be characterized as cautious for several reasons. When he took office in 1961, the civil rights movement was gaining momentum, with calls for racial equality and an end to segregation becoming increasingly prominent.
Kennedy was aware of the deep-rooted racial tensions and the potential backlash that could arise from pushing for sweeping civil rights reforms. He recognized the political challenges associated with taking a bold and radical approach to civil rights, especially considering the resistance and opposition from segregationist lawmakers and some segments of the population.
In his early years as president, Kennedy focused on building alliances and support among key congressional leaders, including Southern Democrats who were influential in shaping civil rights legislation. He sought to strike a delicate balance between addressing the demands of the civil rights movement and maintaining political stability and unity within the country.
Kennedy also established the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity to combat racial discrimination in the workforce, and he supported desegregation efforts in educational institutions. However, some critics argue that these initial steps were limited and fell short of the transformative changes needed to address systemic racial inequalities.
It's worth noting that Kennedy's approach to civil rights evolved over time. As the civil rights movement intensified and pressure for change mounted, Kennedy became more vocal and committed to advancing civil rights. This culminated in his support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was passed after his assassination and was a significant milestone in the fight against racial discrimination.
