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Racial Segregation Propagandist Carleton Putnam, Class of 1924, Part II: Alumni Perspectives and Upholding Freedom of Speech (1970s)
Integral to Carleton Putnam’s argument on race was the notion that the demographics of students at Princeton should remain genetically analogous to what was represented in the early days of Princeton; that is, Princeton should predominantly be composed of white men, preferably with familial connections to the school.
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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 March 25-31
In this week’s installment in our recurring series, a student defends himself and a campus organization against accusations of fabricating discrimination, an administrator vows that Princeton will comply with Prohibition, and more.
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“I Found a Million-Dollar Bigot in a 5 & 10 Cent Store”: The Weekend Martin Luther King, Jr. Preached in Princeton University Chapel, Part II
The weekend Martin Luther King, Jr. arrived in Princeton proved to be a local flashpoint for national conflicts.
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This Week in Princeton History for October 16-22
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, student volunteers attend orientation before engaging in dangerous civil rights work, a senior complains about unwarranted accusations of being a communist, and more. October 18, 1964—Seven Princeton student volunteers attend orientation at the headquarters of the Council of Federated Organizations in Jackson, Mississippi. Philip L. Fetzer ’65…
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This Week in Princeton History for September 19-25
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the campus community prays for Birmingham, the Graduate College opens for occupancy, and more. September 19, 1963—The University Chapel is open from 12:00-7:00 for prayer and meditation on the racial crisis in Birmingham, Alabama following the Ku Klux Klan bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church. September 20,…
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This Week in Princeton History for February 25-March 3
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Graduate College remains in control of the U.S. Navy following the end of World War I, the local pastors association prays for their colleagues involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and more. February…
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Caroline Le Count’s Visit to Princeton
By April C. Armstrong *14 and Iliyah Coles ’22 Caroline Le Count, though not so well known today, was a prominent African American activist and educator in Philadelphia in the 19th century. The Philadelphia Citizen recently referred to her as “Philly’s Rosa Parks” because she worked to dismantle streetcar segregation in the city, a goal…
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This Week in Princeton History for April 9-15
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a group of undergraduate activists derail a segregationist group on campus, the Nassau Literary Review protests police abuse of firearms, and more. April 9, 1964—Activists in favor of integration carry out a coup in the…
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This Week in Princeton History for October 10-16
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Princetonian says they can’t drink the water, the first “Gay Jeans Day” causes controversy, and more. October 10, 1878—The Princetonian warns the administration in an editorial that the shortage of potable water on campus will…
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