Happy 2008 everyone!  This year will bring a lot of exciting projects to the University District and the Museum Without Walls is busy working on getting things ready.  We’re back with a new picture of the week, and as always, we welcome your comments and suggestions on our site and our projects!

In 1947, the state of Washington passed legislation that required “all state employees to sign an oath disclaiming membership in organizations that advocated strikes or the overthrow of the government.” This also prompted the formation of a state committee, known as the Canwell Committee, that was modeled after the national House Committee on Un-American Activities and set out to target questionable members of the University of Washington faculty.  In 1949, three faculty members were fired and three more placed on probation; this action was the first of its kind during the Cold War.

As shown in the picture, the actions of the Canwell Committee did not sit well with some Seattelites.  Even in the context of the Cold War, many recognized that the firing of the three University professors was a violation of civil liberties.  Protesters marched in front of the Canwell Committee hearings in 1948, but unfortunately were unsuccessful in reversing the committee’s decision.  The three faculty members lost their jobs, and the loyalty oath requirement was not overturned until 1964. 

- Julia

Photo courtesy of the Museum of History and Industry, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection