Six Wallace Men Charge 'Purging'

The Progressive Party has charged that six of its members were dismissed from their teaching positions and that pressure was applied to 26 others because of their political activities.

Evansville College

At Evansville College, in Evansville, Indians, one instructor was fired last Spring for activities in connection with the Progressive Party.

George Parker, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, came to Evansville in September, 1946. His yearly contract was renewed on March 18, and at that time President Lincoln B. Hale spoke to Parker about his politics. Parker was chairman of the Vanderburg County Citizens for Wallace. Hale said that Parker's political views were his own business so long as they didn't reflect on the college.

On one occasion Parker brought some Wallace campaign literature to class at the request of a student. Later he brought more literature to class, and left it there on a "take it if you want to" basis.

On April 6 Henry Wallace arrived in Evansville for a rally. An organization named "The Spirit of Kilroy" picketed the meeting with the aid of high school boys, some town people, and some students. The pickets shouted, broke windows, and broke into the meeting, afterwards attacking Wallace's entourage.

Parker was chairman of the rally, but his actions were limited to leading the assembly in prayer and introducing minor speakers. He did not make a speech or introduce Wallace.

Two nights later a special meeting of the faculty was called, without Parker's knowledge. President Hale told the Faculty that the Board of Trustees had ousted Parker.

The reason given was an old rule that instructors could not take part in political activity. Hale said that Parker had taken part in politics "both on and off the campus." Evidently Hale believed that Parker's action--with respect to the leaflets and the rally--had violated the conditions Hale set forth in March.

Many faculty members spoke out against the action, but no vote was called.

Parker was later reinstated for the duration of the academic term only. He is now at Yale studying for his Ph.D.

The case is currently undergoing investigation by the American Association of University Professors. But a few faculty members have not waited for the A.A.U.P. report. They have already moved elsewhere.

Lycoming College

At Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Clarence R. Athearn, professor of Philosophy and Social Ethics, was dismissed in May, 1948. Athearn had been county chairman of the Progressive Party until March of that year.

He charged that his political affiliation was responsible for the failure of the administration to renew his contract. This was denied by John W. Long, Lycoming's president. Over 100 students out of a student body of 900 signed a petition asking for Athearn's reinstatement, but the authorities took no action on it.

U. of Miami

At the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, three instructors were dismissed in May, 1948. All three were supporters of the Wallace party, and charged that they were victims of a "political purge."

The Miami administration denied this, stating that the three men were not reappointed on basis of "lack of need" of their services. "This institution," the university said, "maintains no record of political affiliation of staff members."

U. of Oglethorpe

At Oglethorpe University, Georgia, Professor Don West was dropped from the faculty a year ago and was later reinstated. It was charged that the reason for the suspension was West's activities with the Progressive Party.

In a letter to the CRIMSON. Oglethorpe's president, Philip Weltner, stated that the university "has never discharged a professor on account of his opinions. On the other hand, we would never knowingly engage one who was not wholeheaviedly an American. In my opinion. . . Professor West is sincerely an American."

U. of Northwestern

At Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. 25 professors were forced to withdraw from activity, in the Wallace party last year, according to allegations made by the the Progressive Party. The Wallace organization also charged that Professor Curtis D. MacDougatt, its candidate for the Senate, was warned that he would be forced to resign unless he retired from the campaign.

Last week, the CRIMSON wived the director of public relations at Northwestern, asking for an official statement of these charges. No reply has been received.

U. of Georgia

At the University of Georgia, Athena Georgia, James Barfeet, assistant professor of Education, was dismissed on May 12. 1948. The week before, he had been selected as the Progressive Party candidate for governor. After his dismissal, Barfoot accepted the nomination.

In a telegram to the CRIMSON, Harmos Caldwell, Chancellor of the university, stated that the college dean had recommended that Barfoot's contract "not be renewed on the ground that he had only a bachelor's degree and was making no serious effort to go forward with his graduate work and secure higher degrees."

"Affiliation with the Progressive Party was not responsible for the failure to renew the contract," Caldwell said. On the subject of Georgia's policy on the political activities of its professors, he quoted a university statute which states: "Members of the faculty should refrain from involving the university in partisan politics, futile controversies, and harmful publicity."

Lyndon College

At Lyndon Teachers' College, a state teachers' college in Vermont, the dean of the college, Luther Macnair, resigned his position in March, 1948. Macnair, then vice-chairman of the state Progressive Party, stated that he was under considerable pressure from various sources, including Burlington newspapers, at the time of his resignation.

In a statement yesterday to the CRIMSON, Macnair said: "A reading of the editorials which appeared towards the end of March, 1948, in the Burlington Free Press and the Burlington Times, particularly one in the latter publication entitled 'Macnair Must Go,' will indicate clearly the existence of pressures which led me to tender my resignation to the educational authorities of the state."