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Racial Segregation Propagandist Carleton Putnam, Class of 1924, Part I: His Adversaries and Allies at Princeton and Beyond (1960s)
Beginning in the 1950s and continuing through the ’60s, Princeton University underwent drastic social change which reshaped thought about legalized segregation and discrimination against African Americans. During this time, Princeton confronted tensions between maintaining Princeton’s traditional demographics and allowing racially diverse applicants equality of opportunity.
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This Week in Princeton History for October 11-17
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, an alum makes an influential argument in favor of segregation, a controversial article about Jimmy Stewart ’32 appears, and more. October 13, 1958—Carleton B. Putnam ’24 writes his infamous “Putnam Letter” to Dwight D. Eisenhower. He argues that segregation is so important that it must be preserved,…
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