There has also been speculation that Gaines was abducted and murdered by segregationists. Years earlier, a mob that included some University of Missouri students lynched a Black man named James Scott. Perhaps Gaines was threatened with violence and went into hiding. Some claim he was successfully bribed to “go away.”
Linder believes Gaines committed suicide. In the 1940s, Gaines’ family issued statements that they believed he was still alive. Today, he has no known surviving relatives who personally knew him. His nephew, George Gaines, will accept the honorary degree on his behalf.
Regardless of Gaines’ fate, his legacy is clear. Today, Missouri’s law school enrolls about 24 Black students, approximately 5 percent of its overall enrollment. It’s a number that dean of admissions Donna Pavlick says she “would like to be higher.”
Awarding Gaines an honorary degree is the university’s effort to belatedly acknowledge the error of its ways. Although little can make up for Gaines’ lost opportunity, there is always the possibility that on graduation day, a now 96-year-old Gaines may just show up to accept that diploma.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
