USF Johns Committee Records
This collection consists of materials relating to the 1962-1964 Johns Committee investigation of the University of South Florida. The collection includes correspondence, press statements, statements to the Florida legislature, editorials, various newsletters and newspaper clippings, as well as the typescript of "The Controversity," John Egerton’s unpublished 300-page study of the Johns Committee. In addition to the papers of John Egerton, there are also papers from USF President John Allen.
View The "Witch Hunt" at USF: Experiencing the Johns Committee Through Primary Resources exhibit created by Florida Studies Curator, Andy Huse.
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Papers Relating to the American Association of University Professors, the American Association of Universities, and Student Organizations, May 1962 - July 1963 and undated
John W. Egerton
A series of journal and newsletter issues addressing a response to the work of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (also referred to as the Johns Committee) from student organizations and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
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Papers Relating to the John Caldwell Case, August - September 1962 and undated
John W. Egerton
A series of statements, draft letters, and articles on the case of Fine Arts professor John Caldwell and his resignation after being reinstated to faculty status at the University of South Florida (USF). Included are mentions of USF President John S. Allen, Florida Senator Charley E. Johns, and the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (often called the Johns Committee).
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Papers Relating to the Sheldon Grebstein Case, October 1962 and undated
John W. Egerton
The first of two folders of materials relating to the suspension of English professor Dr. Sheldon Grebstein. Included is a statement from Grebstein defending his choice to use an article about Jack Kerouac and the Beatniks in his course as well as a draft letter from the University of South Florida's (USF) chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Documents mention the work of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (often called the Johns Committee).
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Papers Relating to the Sheldon Grebstein Case, October - November 1962 and undated
John W. Egerton
The second of two folders of materials relating to the suspension and reinstatement of English professor Dr. Sheldon Grebstein. Included are news releases from the University of South Florida's (USF) chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and resolutions supporting Grebstein from the Division of Language-Literature.
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Papers Relating to the State Board of Control, November 1962 - April 1965 and undated
John W. Egerton
A collection of documents relating to the Florida State Board of Control and their regulations for universities.
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Papers Relating to the Work of the Johns Committee, 1962 - October 1963 and undated
John W. Egerton
A collection of documents given to the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (called the Johns Committee).
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Statements, Proposed Resolutions and Reports about Academic Freedom, September 1962 - December 1963 and undated
John W. Egerton
A series of statements, proposed resolutions, and reports about academic freedom in relation to the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (also called the Johns Committee) and their investigation of the University of South Florida (USF).
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Telegrams and Correspondence from Ministers and the American Association of University Women on Academic Freedom, November 1962 - April 1963
John W. Egerton
A series of two telegrams and two letters relating to academic freedom. The two letters are related to the American Association of University Women.
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Transcript of Interview with Donald R. Harkness by the Johns Committee, March 1962
John W. Egerton
A typewritten transcript of and interview with Donald R. Harkness' by the the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (also called the Johns Committee) in March 1962, mostly relating to Jerome Davis' invitation to speak on campus.
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Correspondence to and from Members of the Johns Committee, November 1961 - February 1964
John W. Egerton
A series of letters relating to the work of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee (often called the Johns Committee). Many of the letters are to or from members of the Committee. Also included is an interim report and budget for the Committee.
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Papers Relating to the Jerome Davis and Thomas Wenner Cases, February 1961 - May 1962 and undated
John W. Egerton
A series of statements, news releases, and letters relating to two cases: former Yale professor Jerome Davis being invited to speak on the University of South Florida's (USF) campus; and the case of Thomas Wenner who had his offer to teach at USF rescinded.
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Correspondence in Defense of Denna F. Fleming, 1960-1962
John W. Egerton
A series of letters mainly written to Russell M. Cooper, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of South Florida (USF), defending Dr. Denna F. Fleming's competency to teach. Many of the letters are written by Fleming's colleagues at Vanderbilt University.
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Papers Relating to the Governance of the University of South Florida, 1960 - December 1962 and undated
John W. Egerton
A collection of notes, lists, and quotes, relating to governance of the University of South Florida (USF) and the work of the Legislative Investigation Committee (also called the Johns Committee).
