Two Xavier Alumnae Reflect on Overcoming Segregation in 1940s New Orleans

Verlie Rodriguez Decay and Hortense Haydel Reine share inspiring stories of pursuing higher education at Xavier University of Louisiana during the era of racial segregation.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:45pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print composed of multiple repeating images of a vintage graduation cap and diploma in a grid, using a bold, neon color palette to conceptually represent the perseverance and achievements of Black women pursuing higher education during a time of segregation.The vibrant visual celebration of Xavier University of Louisiana's enduring legacy of providing higher education to generations of Black students, even in the face of racial segregation.New Orleans Today

Verlie Rodriguez Decay and Hortense Haydel Reine, both graduates of Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) in the 1940s and 1950s, reflect on their experiences as Black women pursuing higher education in segregated New Orleans. Despite facing racial and gender barriers that limited their career prospects and access to public spaces, the two women found community, joy, and fulfillment through their XULA education and lifelong friendship.

Why it matters

This story highlights the resilience and determination of Black women during a time of widespread racial segregation, when access to higher education and professional opportunities were severely limited. It provides a window into the lived experiences of XULA students who built their own vibrant social and cultural life on campus, laying the foundation for successful careers as educators.

The details

Decay and Reine, now in their 90s, both had parents who prioritized a college education for their daughters. At XULA in the 1940s and 1950s, tuition was around $200 per semester, and students wrote term papers by hand and conducted research in library stacks. Women were prohibited from wearing pants, and all schools, including XULA, were racially segregated. Despite these barriers, Decay and Reine thrived, finding community through social clubs, church groups, and student activities organized by sororities and fraternities. After graduating, they both became elementary school teachers, with Decay later teaching through U.S. military programs overseas.

  • Decay and Reine attended XULA in the 1940s and 1950s.
  • Decay graduated from XULA in 1953, while Reine graduated in 1956.

The players

Verlie Rodriguez Decay

A 1953 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA).

Hortense Haydel Reine

A 1956 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA).

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA)

A historically Black Catholic university in New Orleans that provided higher education opportunities for Black students during the era of racial segregation.

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What they’re saying

“We weren't allowed to use the city libraries. If you went in, they gave you all kinds of excuses about why you couldn't check the books out and why you couldn't use them. We just had to make do, and we did the best we possibly could with what we had there on campus.”

— Verlie Rodriguez Decay, XULA Alumna

“We had our own inner circle of friends. I had no problem with anything. We just did our thing and had our own life and culture.”

— Hortense Haydel Reine, XULA Alumna

The takeaway

This story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Black women who pursued higher education during a time of widespread racial segregation. Despite the numerous barriers they faced, Decay and Reine found community, joy, and fulfillment through their XULA education, laying the foundation for successful careers as educators and inspiring the next generation.