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.