Film Analysis: The Lemon Grove Incident

The Lemon Grove Incident #2

1. What arguments were made for segregating Mexican children? What were the real reasons why they were segregated?

a.) I watched this movie a couple years ago, and I remember one of the arguments made was to make sure all the children were learning. One of the younger teachers had explained that the Mexican children needed more attention to catch up on their studies.

b.) After watching this movie a second time, there were many arguments made by the school board that were used to segregate the children. The younger teacher said there was a safety issue regarding Mexican children crossing railroad tracks on their way to school. Then, the toilets were backed up, and the Mexican children had sanitation issues. Lastly,

she said the Mexican kids learned at a slower rate, and were embarrassed of it, so they needed more special attention. The real reason that the Mexican children were segregated was because of white racist people. They felt like their kids should be learning away from the Mexicans.
2. What legal arguments were used by the judge to enforce that the Mexican students be let back in the school?
a) The judge had told them that there was no legal segregation of white children, and Mexican “half-breeds” were considered white on legal documents.

b) Since Mexicans were from the Caucasian race they could not be legally segregated. The other reason he used was that the Mexican children were being denied the daily presence of the Anglo children, which was a vital part of their learning and assimilating.

3. Is the response that the Mexican community had expected by the Lemon Grove school board? Explain.

a) They did not expect them to do anything about their situation, in fact, they were most likely expected to sit down and obey. They were so accustomed to Mexicans following orders.

b) The school board didn’t think that the Mexicans would seek help, and stand up for their children’s educational rights. One of the school board members even said, “This is not like our Mexicans here.” He said their Mexicans wouldn’t start anything because they were quiet, obedient, and immigrants who wouldn’t try anything in fear of deportation. The school board did not expect a law suit, especially to lose.

4. What would you have done in the situation if you were a parent whose child was segregated to the Olive Street School, aka Mexican

School?
a.) I think that if my daughter was segregated I would stand up for her educational rights. I would personally go to the school board and try to speak some sense into these people. I would let them know that I am prepared to go to higher authority. After speaking to higher authority I would let my child know that she will be sitting in class against their wishes. If she got forced out, then I would do the same as Mrs. Ruiz and not send my daughter to school at all.
b.) I agree with many of the steps that were taken to ensure their rights were being protected. The best idea they had was to speak with the Mexican consul, and agreeing to be represented by Mr. Noon, who would look out for their best interest. The only sad truth is that many Mexicans are scared; therefore do not stand up for their rights.