Table of Contents
- Collection Summary
- Historical Note
- Scope and Content Note
- Subject Headings
- Related Material
- Administrative Information
- Access and Use
- Encoding Information
- Arrangement
- Container List
Collection Summary
| Repository: | Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries |
|---|---|
| Title: | Vassar College 1990 Main Takeover Records |
| Dates: | 1990-1991 |
| Quantity: | 0.5 cubic feet (3 boxes) |
| Abstract: | Correspondence, flyers, news clippings and press releases from the 1990 takeover, along with tapes and supporting documents from an oral history project undertaken the following year under the auspices of Elizabeth Daniels' "Testimony of the Past" class, which worked on documenting Vassar history. |
Historical Note
On 29 January 1990 Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan gave the annual lecture as Vassar's Eleanor Roosevelt Chair, an honor given to a distinguished guest which included a public address in the Chapel. Although the address itself was not criticized, Moynihan was accused of making sexist and racist remarks at a reception immediately following the talk. In the subsequent weeks, a number of student organizations came together under an umbrella called the Coalition of Concerned Students to protest not only Moynihan's remarks, but the college administration's response to those remarks. Events culminated in a takeover of Main Building and a list of extended demands including the creation of a Black Student Center, an Intercultural Center, a task force on racism, and divestment from South Africa.
TopScope and Content Note
Correspondence, flyers, news clippings and press releases from the 1990 takeover, along with tapes and supporting documents from an oral history project undertaken the following year under the auspices of Elizabeth Daniels' "Testimony of the Past" class, which worked on documenting Vassar history.
TopArrangement
This collection is organized into 10 folders of paper materials and one box of audiotapes.TopAccess and Use
Access
The audio/video material in this collection is restricted due to fragility. Please contact the staff for further information. The remainder of the collection is open for research according to the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library without any additional restrictions.
Restrictions on Use
Permission to quote (publish) from unpublished or previously published material must be obtained as described in the regulations of the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library.
Related Material
- The videotaped interviews are housed with the Archives & Special Collection Library's Film and Video Collection.
Subject Headings
Names:
- Moynihan, Daniel P. (Daniel Patrick), 1927-2003
Organizations:
- Vassar College--Students
Subjects:
- African American students
- College students--United States--Attitudes
- Student movements--United States--History--20th century
- Students--Political activity--United States--History--20th century
Document Types:
- Audiocassettes
- Videotapes
VCL Categories:
- Vassar College Events and Issues
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Audiovisual material may require special viewers/players or digitization to preserve the masters.
TopAdministrative Information
Preferred Citation
Vassar College 1990 Main Takeover Records, Archives and Special Collections Library, Vassar College Libraries.
Processing Information
Original processing date unknown.
Acquisition Information
Transfer and date unknown. May have been transferred by Elizabeth Daniels, College Historian (1985-2013).
Container List
Return to the Table of Contents
Details
Correspondence, flyers, news clippings and press releases from the 1990 takeover, along with tapes and supporting documents from an oral history project undertaken the following year under the auspices of Elizabeth Daniels' "Testimony of the Past" class, which worked on documenting Vassar history.
