University of California, Berkeley
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In 1949, during the Cold War, the Board of Regents of the University of California imposed a requirement that all University employees sign an oath affirming not only loyalty to the state constitution, but a denial of membership or belief in organizations (including Communist organizations) advocating overthrow of the United States government. Many faculty, students, and employees resisted the oath for violating principles of shared governance, academic freedom, and tenure. In the summer of 1950, thirty-one "non-signer" professors--including internationally distinguished scholars, not one of whom had been charged of professional unfitness or personal disloyalty--and many other UC employees were dismissed. The controversy raised critical questions for American higher education.
On October 7-8, 1999, historians, University administrators past and present, non-signers, and opponents of the oath reflected on the significance of the loyalty oath and academic freedom. Collected here are historical documents relating to the controversy. Check back soon for conference proceedings, including video segments from the panels and interviews with conference participants recalling their experience on UC campuses during this period.
