Final answer:
The Tennessee Black Codes of 1866 did not allow African American children to attend the same schools as white children, reflecting the segregationist policies of the time to maintain White supremacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Tennessee Black Codes of 1866, African American children were not allowed to attend the same schools as white children. This segregation was part of a wider set of discriminatory laws designed to maintain White supremacy and control over the African American population following the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. These codes restricted the rights of African Americans in various domains, including education, civic participation, and economic freedom.
Despite some progress and attempts to improve African American education post-emancipation, there remained significant gaps and systemic inequities. The education provided to African American children was often subpar compared to that of their white counterparts. During Reconstruction, efforts were made to address these issues; however, the institution of the Black Codes severely limited the effectiveness of these efforts and perpetuated a racially segregated society.
One of the key provisions of the Tennessee Black Codes explicitly stated that 'The provisions of this act shall not be so construed as to require the education of colored and white children in the same school.' This provision clearly answered the question, indicating that African American children cannot attend the same schools as white children, which is consistent with the first option provided.