House Kills Measure Requiring Teaching Of Communism

The bill requiring compulsory instruction in the "evils of communism" in all Massachusetts public high schools was killed by the State House of Representatives Tuesday by a 72-32 standing vote.

Passed by the Senate three weeks ago, the bill met vigorous opposition in the House and was condemned as setting a dangerous precedent. Organizations such as the Americans for Democratic Action and the American Civil Liberties Union had urged citizens to tell their representatives to oppose the bill's enactment.

Rep. John M. Eaton (R-Concord) initiated the move for rejection and warned that the bill would set a "dangerous precedent" if "courses of a political nature" were required by statute.

The Legislature's education committee again supported the bill. Rep. Gerard F. Doherty (D-Charlestown), House chairman of the committee, said those who opposed the bill favored the course "of an ostrich with its head stuck in the sands of ignorance."