In South Carolina, the path to becoming a lawyer dramatically shifted in 1951, coinciding with the rise of Black Americans entering the legal profession.
Judge Matthew J. Perry, a trailblazing figure in civil rights and legal history, explained the transition in a recently resurfaced video shared by @blackhistoryunlocked on Instagram.
The state once allowed law school graduates to practice law without taking the bar exam under a system known as “diploma privilege.”
However, this policy was revoked when South Carolina State University, a historically Black institution, established its law school and began producing Black graduates.
Perry’s Reflection on Diploma Privilege
In the video, Perry, who later became the first Black federal judge in South Carolina, reflected on the pivotal change:
“Up until this time, South Carolina had a practice by which, well, it was known as the diploma privilege. If you had graduated from a law school in South Carolina, you didn’t have to take the state bar examination. You were admitted under what became popularly known as the diploma privilege.
“Now, when the law school at South Carolina State was created, the officials decided, well, look, we’ve got to do something about this diploma privilege. And so they persuaded the legislature to enact a law requiring the taking and passing of the bar examination by all law school graduates.”
Perry humorously added:
“So I tell young people, anybody who has graduated since 1951, that if you had to take the bar examination, you can of course blame me.”
The Legacy of Judge Matthew J. Perry
Matthew J. Perry (1921–2011) was a pioneer for civil rights and a champion for racial equality. A graduate of South Carolina State University, Perry began his career defending Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
His litigation efforts led to the desegregation of schools, hospitals, and other public institutions across the South.
In 1979, Perry was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, making history as the state’s first Black federal judge. His impact extended beyond the courtroom as he worked tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers to equality, including the end of diploma privilege, ensuring a standardized bar exam for all aspiring attorneys in the state.
Impact of Diploma Privilege’s End
The revocation of diploma privilege in 1951 marked a turning point in South Carolina’s legal landscape. The move not only reflected resistance to racial integration but also highlighted systemic efforts to limit opportunities for Black Americans.
Today, Perry’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for equity in education and the legal profession. Efforts like those by Perry and other civil rights leaders paved the way for generations of diverse legal professionals to follow.
Support Black History Awareness
The video featuring Perry is part of an ongoing initiative by @blackhistoryunlocked to share untold stories of Black achievement and resilience.
Supporters are encouraged to donate or purchase their digital product, Black History Facts You Probably Didn’t Learn In School, to keep such important histories alive.
