Special Collections and University Archives: Reform and Countercultural Movements

The records include correspondence, newspaper clippings, statements, and reports related to three Vietnam War teach-ins held at Rutgers in 1965. Items addressing Professor Eugene Genovese's remarks at the first teach-in and the University's subsequent handling of the matter represent the bulk of the collection. Also included are materials relating to the 1965 New Jersey Gubernatorial campaign, in which the issue was a focus of the campaign. Other notable items in the collection include a "Report to the General Assembly on the State of New Jersey" on the Genovese matter, resolutions of various civic organizations both for and against Genovese, a statement by Douglas Dillon, a member of the Board of Governors, supporting academic freedom, and newspaper clippings written in reaction to Dillon's statement. Correspondents include United States Senators from New Jersey Harrison Williams and Clifford P. Case.

The records of Rutgers University provost and vice president Richard Schlatter document the state of education at Rutgers in the 1960s and reflect the concerns of administrators, staff, and students who were dealing with the expansion of and changes in the role of the university, social changes, and the Vietnam War. Included are letters from the public in reference to the teach-in protesting the Vietnam War that occurred at Rutgers in April 1965, along with Schlatter's responses, and university response and letters from Schlatter to members of the public protesting Genovese's participation in the teach-in protest.

Administrative records generated by the Office of the President at Rutgers University during the administration of Mason Gross (1959-1971). These records document a period of enormous growth of the university, as well as a time of social upheaval and political protest. Subjects include the various problems associated with student unrest related to Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement, urban unrest, and Kent State. Several folders concern Vietnam War protests held in 1970.

The records generated by the Office of the Dean of Livingston College during the administration of Ernest A. Lynton (1965-1973) represent communications that took place between the Dean's Office and various departmental and administrative branches of Livingston College, as well as communications between the Dean's Office and administrators and personnel throughout the university. Several topics in the subject files reflect the social issues that were occurring during this time in Rutgers development, such as selective service during the Vietnam War. One folder contains newsletters, news clippings, mail, bulletins, and pamphlets on war issues including teacher sit-ins.