University of Michigan Heritage Project

Invitation to a Nazi

George Lincoln Rockwell’s appearance at Michigan became a classic battle in microcosm over the proper role of the First Amendment on a college campus.

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Protesters strung a banner across Hill's facade that equated Rockwell with Jim Crow rule in the American South.

Should he be allowed to use a University facility to shout his diatribe?

– U-M student Lloyd Graff

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No Admittance

^“This University has been organized and established for the education of young men ... to adapt it to the education of both sexes would require a complete revolution.^”
– Regent Donald McIntyre

When women tried to enter the University of Michigan in 1858, the all-male Board of Regents slammed the door shut "for the sake of the young ladies themselves."
The First Teach-In

^“The American people were silently, disinterestedly accepting this eerie atrocity.^”
– Jack Rothman, professor of social work

The Vietnam Teach-In of 1965 signaled times to come, when faculty would step out from behind the lectern to declare war on the social and political status quo.
“The Dignity of Man”

^“All of us will have to change our way of thinking much more drastically than we have had in the past.^”
– Paul B. Cornely

Dr. Paul Cornely devoted his career to improving health care for African Americans.

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Invitation to a Nazi

More Stories:

No Admittance

The First Teach-In

“The Dignity of Man”