Former Site of Ferguson High School

In 1989 Christopher Newport College again sought to expand. Then president of the College, Dr. Anthony Santoro, looked towards the outlying neighborhoods to make this happen, reaffirming an expansion plan drafted in 1979. Homeowners in the area became increasingly nervous, despite a long-standing policy of CNC to not force unwilling homeowners to sell their property. In June of 1989 racial tensions in the area reemerged when a group of African-American homeowners filed a federal lawsuit against CNC, alleging that its master plan aimed to destroy their community for the benefit of white students.

During the ordeal, William R. Walker, Jr. was serving on CNC's Board of Visitors. The situation proved particularly awkward for him, having been in the homeowners' position just 30 years earlier when he fought to protect his community on Shoe Lane. An interview Walker gave during this time sheds some light on his thoughts during the situation: "As homeowners, we're concerned about our property, but the college has to expand." Although the federal suit filed by the homeowners was dismissed in the Spring of 1990, President Santoro decided to look elsewhere for expansion. He purchased the adjacent Ferguson High School from the city to avoid expanding into neighboring residential areas. The crisis was averted, but it once again strained community relations with the College. It is important to note that this event revealed the important role that Walker played on the Board of Visitors—both as a prominent representative of the community and the College.