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Story
February 23, 1940
Minneapolis Spokesman
Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
The University of Minnesota cancelled a scheduled showing of the racist film 'Birth of a Nation' at Northrop Auditorium due to protests from the Negro Student Council, Minneapolis Civil Rights Committee, Urban League, and other organizations including labor unions and women's groups.
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'Birth of Nation'
Showing Banned
On 'U' Campus
The scheduled showing of the "Birth of a Nation," infamous anti-Negro film, Tuesday, at Northrop Auditorium, by the visual education department of the University of Minnesota, was cancelled abruptly last Friday after an avalanche of protests from various organizations.
The Negro Student Council on the campus lodged a protest with H. B. Jensen, "U" instructor in charge of movie programs, and Dean M. M. Willey, assistant to the president, earlier in the week, but were told that the picture would be shown despite the council's protest.
Dean Willey expressed himself, according to reports, as being of the opinion that the student group, by protesting against such things as the "Birth of a Nation," were focusing attention upon themselves as a campus minority.
Friday morning Henry M. Murray, executive vice-president of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Committee, was apprised of the proposed showing of the picture by C. W. Washington of the Urban League.
Mr. Murray immediately went to work. As a result, in two hours Mr. Jensen issued a statement that the picture had been cancelled. Cooperating in successful protests were the League of Women Voters, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, State Council for Industrial Organization, Hennepin County C. I. O., Hotel and Restaurant Employes Union, Teachers Union 444, and other groups.
It is understood a downtown Minneapolis theatre has scheduled the photoplay for showing this weekend.
Showing Banned
On 'U' Campus
The scheduled showing of the "Birth of a Nation," infamous anti-Negro film, Tuesday, at Northrop Auditorium, by the visual education department of the University of Minnesota, was cancelled abruptly last Friday after an avalanche of protests from various organizations.
The Negro Student Council on the campus lodged a protest with H. B. Jensen, "U" instructor in charge of movie programs, and Dean M. M. Willey, assistant to the president, earlier in the week, but were told that the picture would be shown despite the council's protest.
Dean Willey expressed himself, according to reports, as being of the opinion that the student group, by protesting against such things as the "Birth of a Nation," were focusing attention upon themselves as a campus minority.
Friday morning Henry M. Murray, executive vice-president of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Committee, was apprised of the proposed showing of the picture by C. W. Washington of the Urban League.
Mr. Murray immediately went to work. As a result, in two hours Mr. Jensen issued a statement that the picture had been cancelled. Cooperating in successful protests were the League of Women Voters, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, State Council for Industrial Organization, Hennepin County C. I. O., Hotel and Restaurant Employes Union, Teachers Union 444, and other groups.
It is understood a downtown Minneapolis theatre has scheduled the photoplay for showing this weekend.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Birth Of A Nation
University Of Minnesota
Protest Cancellation
Civil Rights
Racist Film
Negro Student Council
What entities or persons were involved?
H. B. Jensen
Dean M. M. Willey
Henry M. Murray
C. W. Washington
Where did it happen?
University Of Minnesota, Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis
Story Details
Key Persons
H. B. Jensen
Dean M. M. Willey
Henry M. Murray
C. W. Washington
Location
University Of Minnesota, Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis
Event Date
Scheduled For Tuesday, Cancelled Last Friday
Story Details
Protests from Negro Student Council and other groups led to the abrupt cancellation of 'Birth of a Nation' showing at the university, despite initial resistance from administrators; a downtown theater plans to show it this weekend.