 Although Colvard was considered a hero within the university, outside of it, he was harshly criticized.Editors of local papers spoke out about the decision, claiming that the decision should not have been made, for fear of jeopardizing the southern way of life.Perhaps the harshest statement was made by a student of the university, who said, "... Bobby Kennedy may award you a medal of honor for the betrayal of State University and the people of Mississippi."