Black Student Union records

These records of the Black Student Union of the University of Louisville begin with the publication of the September, 1968, newsletter. Throughout the fall and winter of 1968 and 1969, the newsletter continued, usually on a monthly basis. In March, 1969, the organization submitted a "Recruiting Proposal to the University of Louisville," in which they called for more intense efforts to recruit black students and teachers, increased financial aid for black students, and new course offerings in black history, literature, and culture. The University of Louisville agreed to the proposal in principle, but did not accept all of its recommendations. In the newsletter, press releases, and other outlets, the BSU charged that university officials had not negotiated in good faith. After failing to convince President Woodrow M. Strickler to support the recruiting proposal in its entirity, members of the Black Student Union and other individuals occupied a university building in May, 1969, were removed by police, arrested, and some of those who were enrolled at U of L were dismissed from school. Clippings from local newspapers, including the Courier-Journal, the Louisville Times, and the Louisville Defender, tell the story of the building's occupation, the arrest and dismissal of some U of L students, and their efforts to be reinstated at the University of Louisville. Generally, this material reflects growing militancy among a group of University of Louisville students during the 1960s.