I didn't read the book but as bad as it sounds - remember both guys were in their early 20's, probably relatively unknown players. Morgan grew up in Texas and was most likely very aware of the prevailing attitudes in that part of the country which was not exactly known for it''s liberal thinking in terms of racial equality. Maybe he even expected what was coming. Staub, while being from, I suppose, a more liberal area in New Orleans also must have known what an undertaking it would've been to buck the trend in the Deep South at that time. Yes, it would have been very easy for Rusty to simply resign. Not excusing just giving them both a little slack.