What was a major outcome of the Meredith integration at the University of Mississippi?

• A. Riots occurred leaving 2 people killed and 166 marshals and 210 demonstrators wounded
• B. Meredith graduated three years later
• C. Riots occurred in northern states
• D. The campus remained segregated

Answer: (A)

When James Meredith integrated Ole Miss, a powerful real-world test of federal power over state resistance took place. The major outcome was violent resistance on campus that required federal protection to enforce the court order and allow Meredith to attend classes. The confrontation led to deaths and many injuries, and it highlighted that the federal government would back desegregation even when governors and local officials resisted. This moment showed that civil rights rulings could be enforced with federal troops and marshals, not just left to local authorities. The other options don’t fit this turning point: Meredith didn’t simply graduate years later, riots didn’t erupt in northern states, and the campus ultimately moved toward desegregation rather than staying all-segregated.