Ford: Resolution honoring John Wooden, Clarence Walker and Indiana State Teachers College passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2022) — A resolution authored by State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) that would honor the 75^th anniversary of the desegregation of post-season collegiate basketball tournaments passed the Senate today.

Senate Resolution 14 honors John Wooden, Clarence Walker and the Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University, in their efforts to desegregate post-season collegiate basketball in the United States.

"Clarence Walker and John Wooden were leaders both on and off the court," Ford said. "Their decision to stand up against segregation led to changes that made college basketball open to all, regardless of the color of their skin."

In 1947, the basketball team at Indiana State Teachers College, led by Wooden, declined an invitation to play in that season's National Association for Intercollegiate Basketball (NAIB) post-season tournament.

At the time, Black players like Walker were not allowed to play in the NAIB tournament, so Wooden refused to allow the team to play because Walker would not be allowed to participate.

Several other schools also declined the invitation in protest of the NAIB's policy.

In 1948, the NAIB desegregated the tournament and Walker was allowed to participate in that year's competition, in which the Sycamores finished as runners-up.

As the 2023 session progresses, Ford encourages residents of Senate District 38 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have at Senator.Ford@iga.in.gov or 800-382-9467.