What Was the Rationale for Why Jim Crow Laws Were

What was the rationale for why Jim Crow laws were initially considered not to conflict with the equal protection clause?

A) Since Jim Crow laws mandated segregation and said nothing about equality,the equal protection clause was thought to be irrelevant.
B) Jim Crow laws were important for maintaining social order,a prerequisite for racial equality.
C) Jim Crow laws helped African Americans to overcome inequality by building character through overcoming adversity.
D) The equal protection clause applied only to the actions of the federal government.
E) The equal protection clause referred only to social equality,not legal or political equality.