Bouie v. City of Columbia

This case arose out of a “sit-in” demonstration at Eckerd’s Drug Store in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to a lunch counter, Eckerd’s maintained several other departments, including those for retail drugs, cosmetics, and prescriptions. Negroes and whites were invited to purchase and were served alike in all departments of the store with the exception of the restaurant department, which was reserved for whites. There was no evidence that any signs or notices were posted indicating that Negroes would not be served in that department.

On March 14, 1960, the petitioners, two Negro college…