Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-21
HEARINGS COLLEAGUES
DEMAND EXPLANATION
OF PENN AUTHORITIES
Twelve Associates of De-
posed Wharton School In
structor Instruct Dean
McCrea to Write Inter-
rogative Letter to Trus-
tees.

Twelve members Of the wharton School
faculty Of the University Of Pennsyl-
vania at group meeting today requested
Dean Roswell c. McCrea to write a letter
to the University trustees asking for an
explanation OF their refusal to resppoint
Scott Nearing the recently dismissed
assistant professor Of economics, In their
department Of the University Of Penn
sylvania.
Among those present when the action
was taken were Dean McCrea, and Pro-
feesors w. w. Pierson, Clyde L. King,
James I. Young, @. @. Huebner, s. s.
Huebner, Leo s. Rowe and r. r. Johnson
It was also learned at the University
today that Joint committee Of Is on
academic freedom, representing the
American Sociological Association, the
American Economic Association and the
Political Science Association, would take
up Doctor Nearing's case, discuss the
ethics involved and determine whether
the trustees had right to dismiss Doc
tor Nearing at the time and in the
manner they did. Professor Robert c.
Brooks, Of swarthmore, is the president
Of this committee
The Baptist Ministers came out today
for hearing for the deposed instructor
at their weekly meeting, held this morn
ing in the First Baptist Church, at nth
and SAMSON streets.
After considerable discussion the fol-
lowing resolution was passed. introduced
by the Rev w. Quay Roswell, pastor OF
the Fifth Baptist Church, 18th and
Spring Garden streets.
Resolved, That we express our regret
over the action Of the trustees of the Uni
versity Of Pennsylvania in dismisslng DR..
Scott Nearing from the faculty of the
Wharton School on grounds they have
I a. = a 4. Iii
concerning the reason for his dismissal
we believe to be blow to free speech.
Our action In this protest we do not
wish to be considered an approval OF the
doctrines advocated by Professor Near
Ing or an attempt to pass judgment on
his case. But we believe that the public
has a right to know the causes that led
up to his dismissal.
The Rev. DR.. John Gordon, dean emer-
titus OF the divinity school Of Temple Uni
| versity, and the Rev. w. d. Shumway
the present dean, both opposed the reso-
| luton. The latter tried to have the reso-
luton tabled until the first autumn
meeting of the ministers but was voted
down. The Rev. j. NJ, p. Childrey of
Haddonheld, N j.. said the dismissal OF
Doctor Nearing was a blow at every
| Baptist minister.
Dispatches from all parts of the coun-
try today indicate that the Nearing mat
ter. instead of losing interest. is to be
made the basis OF the greatest fight for
the freedom OF teachers in the history
! of the country.
Alumni, especially here and in New
York, are rallying behind Harrison s.
Morris, executor Of the estate of Joseph
Wharton, who has started campaign of
| publicity designed to force the trustees
| to give full and free" explanation of
why Nearing was dropped
| A New York newspaper today quotes "a
prominent Philadelphia alumnus" as say
| ing that Joseph r. Grundy president of
| the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Asso-
citation. indorsed the demands upon the
! trustees that Nearing be ousted. He
| added: g1.a..
II have even heard 1t said that Mr..
| Grundy sought to have Governor Brum-
baugh cut the University appropriation
as a retaliation for the continued reten-
| tion Of Doctor Nearing on the faculty.
Scores of letters are being sent to
| Provost Edgar Fahs Smith today by
alumni from all parts of the country, In
New York the American Association of
! University Professors, formed at the be-
| ginning OF this year to combat tendency
| to ultra-conserVatsm in the universities,
| will take up the Nearing case.
Prof John Dewey OF Columbia, is pres
| ident OF the association. He has an ad-
vlsory council Of 80 professors There are
more than 1000 professors in the organ
| ization, which in some respects might be
| looked on as a union.