Memorandum on Conference with U.S. Office of Education, December 21, 1944

Because of difficulties growing out of our relations with the Macon Vocational School, I had a conference with Dr. L. S. Hawkins, Chief of Vocational Training for War Production Workers, U.S. Office of Education.¹ Mr. Edgar P. Westmoreland, Special Representative Defense Vocational Education, was also present at the conference. Dr. Hawkins was very optimistic about the training program in Macon, Georgia and fully expected that it would be underway within three weeks, as stated by the War Manpower Commission.

In addition, I requested that the Office of Education supply us with information on courses approved for war production training. In this manner, our regional directors will be able to obtain from the War Manpower Commission, statements on whether such courses in the separate school states are being set up for non-whites. After the War Manpower Commission reports that such courses have not been established for non-whites, our regional directors should then request a Form 42 from the WMC and docket a case. In my opinion, this information will enable us to get at the training problem before the courses for whites are actually set up and therefore, will be more practical.

Dr. Hawkins stated that beginning February 1, all of the pre-employment training courses will be reviewed by the U.S. Office of Education and lists of such courses now in progress will be sent to us at that time.

The Office of Education has extensive courses in West Virginia for the training of individuals interested in the coal mining industry. It was agreed that FEPC would receive a listing of the location of these courses. When I receive it, I will send it to Region IV for further checking with the War Manpower Commission to determine whether similar courses will be established for qualified non-whites.

It was agreed also that the Office of Education check on training courses given for the benefit of the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Company in Fort Worth, Texas and furnish us with a listing of this type of training. When we receive this information we will send it to Mr. Ellinger.