III. "Teach In," October 14, 1965

The records of the Teach-Ins at Rutgers University include correspondence, newspaper clippings, statements, and reports related to the controversy surrounding the three (3) "Teach Ins" held at Rutgers University in 1965. The bulk of the public comment was sparked by Rutgers Professor Genovese's April 23, 1965 "Teach In" statement, "I do not fear or regret the impending Viet Cong victory in Vietnam. I welcome it," and the University's subsequent handling of the matter. The "Teach In" at which Genovese made his statement was a discussion of American foreign policy in Vietnam organized by Rutgers College Faculty. Items addressing this issue also represent the bulk of the materials in the collection.

Professor Genovese had been appointed to Rutgers on July 1, 1963 as an assistant professor of history. On April 9, 1965, the Board of Governors approved his promotion to the position of associate professor with academic tenure, effective July 1, 1965.

After an investigation of Genovese's statement at the "Teach In", no action against the professor was taken, and the Board of Governors of Rutgers prepared a brochure which described the situation and explained the University's position. President Gross and the Board of Governors would later be awarded the ninth annual Meiklejohn Award from the American Association of University Professors for their stand in the Genovese case.

New Jersey Senator, Wayne Dumont, R-Warren County demanded Genovese's removal from the University and focused on the issue in his campaign in his election bid against incumbent Democratic Governor Richard J. Hughes who supported the University's decision.

In response to "attacks upon free expression at Rutgers", a Committee on Free Speech was formed by students. The committee urged the gubernatorial candidates not to make the Genovese controversy a campaign issue.

The second "Teach In" was held on September 29, 1965. At this event, Drew University political science instructor, James Mellen, made known his agreement with Genovese. Mellen would not be reappointed to his post at Drew.

The third "Teach In" was held the night of October 14, 1965. Dr. Mason Gross issued a statement before the event disapproving of its "political rally" nature. Parents of soldiers in Vietnam were urged to attend the "Teach In" by Walter Lantry of Carlstadt whose son was serving in Vietnam. During this "Teach-In", an incident occured in which Mrs. Lantry struck a student and the student struck back.

In November 1965, Rutgers students supporting U.S. policy in Vietnam traveled to Washington, D.C. to present a petition expressing their views to U.S. Senators from New Jersey, Clifford P. Case and Harrison A. Williams.