A panel discussion held in conjunction with the opening of the Newman Library exhibition Activism and Repression: the Struggle for Free Speech at CCNY, 1931-1942.
The exhibition documents the New York Legislature's investigation of alleged communist subversion in New York City schools and colleges from 1931-1942, which resulted in the dismissal of over 50 teachers in the years preceding McCarthyism. This investigation was carried out by a group known as the Rapp-Coudert Committee.
Panelists explore the theme of threatened academic freedom, political bias and the concept of subversion both in the classroom and beyond.
Myrna Chase, Dean of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences introduces the event and panelists. Carol Smith, historian and curator of the exhibition, makes opening remarks.
Panelists include: Clarence Taylor, Professor, Departments of History and Black Studies, Baruch College; Stephen Leberstein; Executive Director, City College Center for Worker Education; Alisa Solomon, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University; and Henry Foner, City College Downtown (Baruch College), Student Council President 1938-39.