Roosevelt Aware of Conditions at National Training School for Girls

In the mid-1930s, Eleanor Roosevelt became aware of the challenging conditions at the National Training School for Girls, a reform school primarily serving African-American girls located in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This institution faced numerous issues, including inadequate funding, insufficient staffing, and a curriculum that did not meet the needs of its students. Recognizing the importance of reform in such institutions, Roosevelt took proactive steps to address these concerns. She visited the school to gain firsthand insight into the conditions and wrote about her observations in her 'My Day' column, which was widely read and influential. Her advocacy included lobbying for increased funding to improve the facilities and resources available to the students, as well as pressing for changes in the staffing and educational programs offered at the school. Roosevelt's involvement with the National Training School for Girls extended beyond mere advocacy; she also invited students from the school to the White House, an act that highlighted her commitment to civil rights and education for African-American youth. This invitation became a topic of discussion during Franklin D. Roosevelt's re-election campaign, as it underscored the administration's stance on racial equality and social justice. The attention brought to the school through Roosevelt's efforts contributed to a broader awareness of the challenges faced by African-American educational institutions and the need for systemic reform. Her actions not only aimed to improve the conditions at the National Training School for Girls but also served as a catalyst for discussions on race and education in the United States.