His refusal to join in the Vietnam War made him a symbol for many people
On his 18th birthday, Ali registered for military service in the United States and was assigned as 1-A in 1962. He was reclassified as Class 1-Y (suitable for service only in times of national emergency) in 1964 after failing the U.S. Armed Forces qualifying test due to his dyslexia-related writing and spelling skills. By early 1966, the army had lowered its criteria to allow soldiers above the 15th percentile to serve, and Ali was reclassified as 1-A. This classification made him eligible for the conscription and entry into the United States Army during a period when the United States was participating in the Vietnam War, a war that further estranged him from the white establishment.
When informed of his position, Ali decided that he would refuse to serve in the army and declared himself a conscientious objector publicly. In 1966, Ali enraged the white establishment by refusing to be recruited into the United States military, citing his religious convictions and opposition to American engagement in the Vietnam War.
Ali was unable to receive a boxing license in any state for the next three years. On June 20, 1967, after only 21 minutes of deliberation, the jury declared Ali guilty of breaching the Selective Service statutes by refusing to be drafted.
Despite the Appellate Court judgment and the Supreme Court decision, Ali was free. As public opinion began to turn against the war and the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, Ali became a popular speaker at colleges and institutions around the country. His refusal to join in the Vietnam War made him a symbol for many people. Many African Americans and others were impressed by Ali's example. However, when he declined induction, he became possibly the most despised man in the country, receiving several death threats. According to William Rhoden, a New York Times columnist, "Ali's actions changed my standard of what constituted an athlete's greatness. Possessing a killer jump shot or the ability to stop on a dime was no longer enough. What were you doing for the liberation of your people? What were you doing to help your country live up to the covenant of its founding principles?"
