Following charges by students, faculty and alumni of his "ambiguous attitude" toward racial discrimination and segregation, among other claims of competency and leadership issues, Beittel was fired in 1952.
In its decision the trustees of the college stated, "The members of this body believe Dr. Beittel has been wronged both by the charges made against him and by the methods resorted to by those who attacked him" but conceded he could no longer carry out his duties given the circumstances.
[1] The campus also housed Freedom Riders while they appealed their arraignments, leading to one trustee resigning from the Tougaloo board claiming the school had become "a rallying place for outside agitators".
Facing bitter opposition and potential legal consequences, Beittel claimed the school charter allowed an education for all and noted the children of white faculty members previously attended classes.
[11] In February 1964, Mississippi Lieutenant Governor, Carroll Gartin, called for an investigation of Tougaloo, citing the student's demonstrations, to determine if it was abiding by the school's charter.
[13] On April 25, 1964, Beittel announced a comprehensive long-term development plan for Tougaloo in partnership with Brown University.
[14] The unique partnership was backed with grants and other aid to expand the Tougaloo's faculty and educational programs for students.
After Beittel's retirement he was director of the American Friends Service Committee and board member of non-profit religious and human rights groups.