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This Week in Princeton History for June 5-11


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Commencement is held without predicted problems, a senior praises William Howard Taft, and more.

June 5, 1978—Princeton University’s Board of Trustees votes to include coverage for abortion under the student health insurance plan.

This article by an anonymous female Princeton University student details her experiences with health care prior to the decision to cover abortion under the student health plan (Princeton Forerunner, November 30, 1976).

June 6, 2006—Despite ominous warnings from a local psychic and some uneasiness among the superstitious, Princeton holds its Commencement on this day (6/6/06) without incident.

Graphic from the Daily Princetonian.

June 7, 1919—Marcus Lester Aaron, Class of 1920, writes to his family to report on his visit to Trenton to hear former U.S. President William Howard Taft speak at the New Jersey State House.

Excerpt from a letter from Marcus Lester Aaron, Class of 1920, to his family, June 7, 1919. Marcus Lester Aaron Correspondence (AC420), Box 2.

June 10, 1881—The Princetonian laments that many students no longer understand the significance of attempting to avoid being “a honeyman” (a local slang term that roughly translates to “copycat”) and urges reflection on this over the summer.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

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