Campus Strike papers

May 4 Collection - Boxes 12, 13, 14, 15

Finding Aid

Prepared by Virginia Dressler, August 17, 2006; Updated June 2017; Updated August 2020

Inclusive Dates: 1965-1972
Extent: 3.5 cubic feet (3 record storage boxes and 1 half-size record storage box)
Physical Location: 12th floor; oversized materials are shelved in map case

Historical Note: In the spring of 1970, there was a significant amount of unrest on college and university campuses due to the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1970, President Nixon announced that the U.S. would expand its campaign into Cambodia, increasing the tension. On May 4, 1970, four students were killed and nine others wounded when Ohio Army National Guardsmen opened fire on demonstrators at Kent State University. Eleven days later, on May 15, 1970, city and state police fired on demonstrators at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University), killing two students and injuring twelve. All over the country, massive student demonstrations and strikes followed, in response to both the war and the shootings. While many citizens of the American public sided with the National Guard and law enforcement, the student reaction against the violence grew stronger and ultimately led to the closing of many colleges and universities from coast to coast. Countless campus assemblies and strikes resulted in flyers, newsletters, newspapers, and correspondence reflecting the conditions and sentiments of a portion of the American student body, faculty, and administrative officials at this time. In the aftermath of the shootings, Kent State University Libraries sent letters to colleges and universities across the nation requesting that they send examples of documents related to the national student strikes (or "strike papers"). Many institutions responded to this call for archival documentation by sending, in most cases, photocopies or extra copies of materials from their campuses.

Scope and Content: This collection includes newsletters, newspapers, flyers, leaflets, and other documents received from colleges and universities in the United States. The materials document the student strike movement, faculty involvement, and statements from administrative offices. Also included are letters sent by Kent State University Libraries requesting materials from other colleges and universities, and responses received in return.

Arrangement: Materials are arranged by state and then by specific institution.

Format of Originals: Please note that many of the materials in this collection are photocopies, some of which are of poor quality and may be difficult to read.

Processing Note: Institutional names included in this finding aid are accurate according to the time period in which the papers were acquired in 1970.

Restrictions on Access: Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Sponsor: Digitization of this collection was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

May 4 Collection - Box 12
Folder -- Contents

1. Strike Papers: Responses to Requests: June-July 1970
2. Strike Papers: Responses to Requests: August 1-15, 1970
3. Strike Papers: Responses to Requests: August 16-31, 1970
4. Strike Papers: Responses to Requests: September 1970-February 1972; undated
5. Strike Papers: Alabama: Auburn University: May 1970
6. Strike Papers: Arizona: University of Arizona: 1969-1970
   Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
7. Strike Papers: Arkansas: Arkansas State University, Fayetteville: 1970
8. Strike Papers: Arkansas: Henderson State College: May 8, 1970
9. Strike Papers: California: California State College, Long Beach: 1968-1970
10. Strike Papers: California: De Anza College: May 1970
11. Strike Papers: California: Mills College: May 15, 1970
12. Strike Papers: California: San Diego State College: 1967-1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
13. Strike Papers: California: San Fernando Valley State College: May 1970
14. Strike Papers: California: Sonoma State College: May 1970
15. Strike Papers: California: Stanislaus State College: May 1970
16. Strike Papers: California: St. Mary's College: May 1970
17. Strike Papers: California: University of California, Davis: 1969-1970
18. Strike Papers: California: University of California, Irvine: May 1970
19. Strike Papers: California: University of the Pacific: 1970
20. Strike Papers: Colorado: Adams State College: 1970
21. Strike Papers: Colorado: Colorado State University: May 1970
22. Strike Papers: Colorado: Loretto Heights College: May 8, 1970
23. Strike Papers: Colorado: Temple Buell College: May 1970
24. Strike Papers: Colorado: University of Colorado Boulder: 1970
25. Strike Papers: Connecticut: Central Connecticut State College: 1969
26. Strike Papers: Connecticut: Eastern Connecticut State College: May 1970
27. Strike Papers: Connecticut: University of Connecticut: 1970
28. Strike Papers: Connecticut: Yale University: 1970
29. Strike Papers: Florida: Florida Atlantic University: 1968-1969
30. Strike Papers: Florida: University of Miami: May 1970
31. Strike Papers: Florida: University of South Florida: 1970
32. Strike Papers: Georgia: Emory University: 1969-1970
33. Strike Papers: Georgia: University of Georgia: 1968; 1970
34. Strike Papers: Idaho: Idaho State University: 1969-1970
35. Strike Papers: Illinois: Bradley University: May 1970
36. Strike Papers: Illinois: George Williams College: 1969
37. Strike Papers: Illinois: Illinois Wesleyan University: May 8, 1970
38. Strike Papers: Illinois: Loyola University Chicago: December 1968; 1970
    Physical Location: Some items are oversized and are filed in the map case.
39. Strike Papers: Illinois: Monmouth College: 1970
40. Strike Papers: Illinois: North Park College: May 15, 1970
41. Strike Papers: Illinois: Northern Illinois University: May 1970
42. Strike Papers: Illinois: Northwestern University: May 1970
43. Strike Papers: Illinois: Roosevelt University: May 1970
44. Strike Papers: Illinois: Southern Illinois University: May 1970
45. Strike Papers: Illinois: Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville: May 1970
46. Strike Papers: Illinois: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: 1969-1970
47. Strike Papers: Illinois: Western Illinois University: May 20, 1970
48. Strike Papers: Indiana: Ball State University: May 1970
49. Strike Papers: Indiana: Earlham College: May 1970
50. Strike Papers: Indiana: Manchester College: May 13, 1970
51. Strike Papers: Indiana: University of Notre Dame: 1970
52. Strike Papers: Indiana: Valparaiso University: May 1970
53. Strike Papers: Iowa: Cornell College: 1970
54. Strike Papers: Iowa: St. Ambrose College: May 1970
55. Strike Papers: Kansas: Kansas State University: May 1970
56. Strike Papers: Kansas: University of Kansas: 1970
    Physical Location: Some items are filed in the map case.

May 4 Collection - Box 13
Folder -- Contents

1. Strike Papers: Kentucky: University of Kentucky: May 1970
2. Strike Papers: Kentucky: Western Kentucky University: May 8, 1970
3. Strike Papers: Louisiana: Loyola University New Orleans: May 12, 1970
4. Strike Papers: Maine: Bates College: May 12, 1970
5. Strike Papers: Maine: Bowdoin College: May 1970
6. Strike Papers: Maine: Colby College: May 1970
7. Strike Papers: Maryland: Johns Hopkins University: April 1970
8. Strike Papers: Maryland: University of Maryland, Baltimore County: May 1970
   Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
9. Strike Papers: Maryland: University of Maryland, College Park: 1970
   Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
10. Strike Papers: Maryland: Washington College: May 1970
11. Strike Papers: Maryland: Western Maryland College: May 11, 1970
12. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Boston College: May 1970
13. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Brandeis University: April 24-May 14, 1970
14. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Brandeis University: May 17-27, 1970; undated
15. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Bridgewater State College: 1970
16. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Curry College: May 13, 1970
17. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Fitchburg State College: May 1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and filed in the map case.
18. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Harvard University: May 8, 1970
19. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Northeastern University: May 1970
20. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Simmons College: 1970
21. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute: 1967-1970
    Historical Note: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute became Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1969, and is now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
22. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute: circa 1968-1970
    Historical Note: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute became Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1969, and is now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
23. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute: 1969-1970
    Historical Note: Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute became Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1969, and is now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
24. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Boston: May 1970
25. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Wheaton College: May 1970
26. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Williams College: 1970
27. Strike Papers: Massachusetts: Worcester State College: 1970
28. Strike Papers: Michigan: Eastern Michigan University: 1970
29. Strike Papers: Michigan: Michigan State University: 1969-1970
30. Strike Papers: Michigan: Michigan State University: May 1970
31. Strike Papers: Michigan: Michigan Technological University: May 11, 1970
32. Strike Papers: Michigan: Western Michigan University: May 1970
33. Strike Papers: Minnesota: Carleton College: 1969-1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
34. Strike Papers: Minnesota: Mankato State College: 1970
35. Strike Papers: Minnesota: St. Cloud State College: May 1970
36. Strike Papers: Minnesota: St. Olaf College: May 8, 1970
37. Strike Papers: Minnesota: University of Minnesota: 1970
38. Strike Papers: Minnesota: University of Minnesota Duluth: 1968-1970
39. Strike Papers: Missouri: Lincoln University: May 1970
40. Strike Papers: Missouri: University of Missouri: May 8, 1970
41. Strike Papers: Missouri: University of Missouri, St. Louis: May 1970
42. Strike Papers: Missouri: Washington University in St. Louis: 1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
43. Strike Papers: Montana: University of Montana: May 1970
44. Strike Papers: Nebraska: Hiram Scott College: 1970
45. Strike Papers: Nebraska: University of Nebraska: 1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
46. Strike Papers: Nevada: University of Nevada: May 1970
47. Strike Papers: New Hampshire: Dartmouth College: May 1970
48. Strike Papers: New Hampshire: Plymouth State College: 1970
49. Strike Papers: New Hampshire: University of New Hampshire: 1970
50. Strike Papers: New Jersey: Fairleigh-Dickinson University: 1970
51. Strike Papers: New Jersey: Livingston College: May 1970

May 4 Collection - Box 14
Folder -- Contents

1. Strike Papers: New Jersey: Rutgers University: 1970
2. Strike Papers: New Mexico: Eastern New Mexico University: May 1970
3. Strike Papers: New York: Barnard College: May 1970
4. Strike Papers: New York: Bernard M. Baruch College: 1970
5. Strike Papers: New York: Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science: May 12, 1970
6. Strike Papers: New York: Columbia University School of Library Service: 1970
7. Strike Papers: New York: Columbia University Teachers College: 1970
8. Strike Papers: New York: C. W. Post College: May 1970
9. Strike Papers: New York: Keuka College: April 21, 1970
10. Strike Papers: New York: Marymount Manhattan College: 1970
11. Strike Papers: New York: New York University: May 1970
12. Strike Papers: New York: Parsons School of Design: 1970
13. Strike Papers: New York: Rochester Institute of Technology: 1970
14. Strike Papers: New York: Skidmore College: May 1970
15. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Albany: 1970
16. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Binghamton: May 1970
17. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Buffalo: May 1970
18. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Buffalo State: May 1970
19. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Cortland: 1970
20. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Fredonia: 1970
21. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Geneseo: May 5, 1970
22. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Potsdam: 1970
23. Strike Papers: New York: SUNY Stony Brook: 1968-1970
24. Strike Papers: New York: State University College of Forestry at Syracuse University: 1970
25. Strike Papers: New York: Syracuse University: 1970
26. Strike Papers: New York: Union College: 1970
27. Strike Papers: New York: University of Rochester: May 1970
28. Strike Papers: North Carolina: North Carolina State University: 1970
29. Strike Papers: North Carolina: North Carolina Wesleyan College: May 6, 1970
30. Strike Papers: North Carolina: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: 1970
31. Strike Papers: North Dakota: University of North Dakota: 1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
32. Strike Papers: Ohio: Antioch College: May 1970
33. Strike Papers: Ohio: Bowling Green State University: 1970-1971
34. Strike Papers: Ohio: Case Western Reserve University: 1970
    Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
35. Strike Papers: Ohio: Cleveland State University: May 1970
36. Strike Papers: Ohio: Denison University: May 1970
37. Strike Papers: Ohio: Hiram College: May 1970
38. Strike Papers: Ohio: Kent State University: 1970-1971; 1974
39. Strike Papers: Ohio: Kent State University at East Liverpool: May 21, 1970
40. Strike Papers: Ohio: Kent State University at Stark: May 22, 1970
41. Strike Papers: Ohio: Miami University: April 1970
42. Strike Papers: Ohio: Ohio State University: 1970
43. Strike Papers: Ohio: Ohio State University: 1970; 1974-1975
44. Strike Papers: Ohio: Ohio University: May 1970
45. Strike Papers: Ohio: University of Akron: June 17, 1970
46. Strike Papers: Ohio: Wilmington College: May 1970
47. Strike Papers: Ohio: Wittenberg University: 1969-1970
48. Strike Papers: Ohio: Wright State University: May 13, 1970
49. Strike Papers: Ohio: Youngstown State University: May 1970
50. Strike Papers: Oregon: Portland State University: May 1970
51. Strike Papers: Oregon: Reed College: May 1970
    Physical Location: Some items are oversized and are filed in the map case.
52. Strike Papers: Oregon: University of Oregon: 1969-1970
53. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Bucknell University: 1970
54. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Dickinson College: May 1970
55. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Juniata College: June 3, 1970
56. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Kutztown State College: April 1970
57. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Lafayette College: May 1970
58. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Muhlenberg College: May 14, 1970
59. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University: 1970
60. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Shippensburg State College: May 1970

May 4 Collection - Box 15
Folder -- Contents

1. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Swarthmore College: 1968-1969
2. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Temple University: May 1970
3. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Thiel College: May 8, 1970
4. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: University of Pittsburgh: May 1970
5. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: University of Scranton: May 1970
   Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
6. Strike Papers: Pennsylvania: Washington and Jefferson College: 1968; undated
7. Strike Papers: Tennessee: Fisk University: 1969-1970
8. Strike Papers: Tennessee: University of Tennessee: 1968-1970
   Physical Location: One item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
9. Strike Papers: Texas: Rice University: 1965; 1969-1970
10. Strike Papers: Utah: University of Utah: 1970
11. Strike Papers: Vermont: Bennington College: 1970
12. Strike Papers: Vermont: Lyndon State College: May 7, 1970
13. Strike Papers: Vermont: St. Michael's College: May 9, 1970
14. Strike Papers: Vermont: University of Vermont: 1970
15. Strike Papers: Virginia: Hampton Institute: April 1969
16. Strike Papers: Virginia: Randolph-Macon College: 1969-1970
17. Strike Papers: Virginia: Virginia Commonwealth University: 1968
18. Strike Papers: Virginia: Washington and Lee University: May 1970
19. Strike Papers: Washington: Eastern Washington State College: May 1970
20. Strike Papers: Washington: Washington State University: May 1970
21. Strike Papers: Washington: Western Washington State College: 1970
22. Strike Papers: Washington DC: District of Columbia Teachers College: 1969-1970
23. Strike Papers: Washington DC: Federal City College: 1970
24. Strike Papers: West Virginia: Marshall University: May 1970
25. Strike Papers: Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin, Madison: 1970
26. Strike Papers: Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee: May 1970
    Physical Location: This item is oversized and is filed in the map case.
    Restrictions on Access: This item is not available online due to privacy issues. Please consult the paper original.
27. Strike Papers: Wisconsin: Wisconsin State College, Oshkosh: 1968-1970
28. Strike Papers: Wyoming: University of Wyoming: 1969-1970