Drake University
Drake University has played a significant role in Black history, particularly in advancing civil rights and legal education. One of the most notable aspects of its legacy is Chester Cole Hall, which was the first law school building west of the Mississippi and now serves as Drake University's Admissions Building. Chester Cole, co-founder of the Drake Law School, authored the Iowa Supreme Court’s landmark opinion in Clark v. Board of School Directors of Muscatine, which barred racial segregation in Iowa’s public schools in 1868. This decision was made based on the Equality Clause of the Iowa Constitution, Article I, Section 1—86 years before the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.
The Clark case was led by Alexander Clark, an influential Iowa civil rights leader, on behalf of his 12-year-old daughter, Susan Clark. His advocacy helped ensure that Iowa became one of the earliest states to reject the “separate but equal” doctrine. Beyond his legal victory, Alexander Clark was a leader in the Underground Railroad and other civil rights causes, earning recognition as one of the most important civil rights leaders of the 19th century.
Drake University continues to honor this legacy through its legal scholarship and historical recognition. In 2019, the Drake Law Review Symposium reflected on the impact of Clark v. Board of School Directors, reaffirming its significance in the fight for educational equality. Additionally, PBS produced a documentary, "Alexander Clark: Lost in History," highlighting Clark’s contributions to civil rights and education reform.
Chester Cole’s contributions to legal education and the civil rights movement helped shape Drake University’s commitment to justice and equality. The university’s law school remains an institution dedicated to advancing civil rights and fostering a deeper understanding of racial justice. Today, Drake continues to acknowledge and honor the work of Alexander Clark, Chester Cole, and the broader fight for racial equity in education, ensuring that their efforts are remembered and built upon for future generations.