 In September 1927, after eighteen black high school students were transferred to Emerson School, the school's white students walked out in protest, beginning what was called the Emerson School Strike.The four-day strike ended when a settlement was reached that called on the Gary city council to appropriate funds to construct what became known as Roosevelt High School, as well as a temporary school to help alleviate school overcrowding.Emerson's African American students were transferred to the temporary school after the resolution and funding appropriation for the school buildings were passed.