Read the excerpt from a flyer distributed in 1956. This is a historic week because segregation on buses has now been declared unconstitutional. Within a few days the Supreme Court Mandate will reach Montgomery and you will be reboarding integrated buses. This places upon us all a tremendous responsibility of maintaining, in face of what could be some unpleasantness, a calm and loving dignity befitting good citizens and members of our Race. If there is violence in word or deed it must not be our people who commit it. . . . Now for some specific suggestions: 1. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and has been instructed to obey the law. Assume that he will cooperate in helping you occupy any vacant seat. 2. Do not deliberately sit by a white person, unless there is no other seat. 3. In sitting down by a person, white or colored, say "May I" or "Pardon me" as you sit. This is a common courtesy. 4. If cursed, do not curse back. If pushed, do not push back. If struck, do not strike back, but evidence love and goodwill at all times. 5. In case of an incident, talk as little as possible, and always in a quiet tone. Do not get up from your seat! Report all serious incidents to the bus driver. –The Montgomery Improvement Association Why were guidelines like these necessary during the civil rights movement? White people had not used bus transportation before this time. Racial tensions were high due to the end of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Bus drivers had not been trained to diffuse tense situations. African Americans had instigated several violent encounters during the boycott.