Robert Laughlin Pierson facts for kids

Robert Laughlin Pierson (1926–1997) was an important person who worked as a church leader (an Episcopal clergyman). He was also a brave Freedom Rider who fought for civil rights. He was part of a famous court case called Pierson v. Ray.

Life and Work

Robert Pierson was born in Chicago in 1926. He went to college at Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin. He also studied at Nashotah House to become a church leader.

He served as a clergyman at St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church.

Fighting for Civil Rights

In 1961, Robert Pierson joined the Freedom Riders. This was a group of people who rode buses together to protest unfair laws during the Civil Rights Movement. These laws kept Black and white people separate, which was called segregation.

He was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for his part in these peaceful protests. Later, he was involved in a big court case called Pierson v. Ray in 1967. This important case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court decided that police officers had "Qualified Immunity." This legal idea means officers are protected from certain lawsuits when they are doing their job. Because of this, his claims were not accepted by the court.

Robert Pierson passed away on April 13, 1997, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Family Life

In 1955, Robert Pierson married Ann Clark Rockefeller. She was the daughter of Nelson Rockefeller, who was a famous politician. They later divorced in 1966.