Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-03-12
| Panel Decries Probe.
To Guard Education
From Communism

Ways to eliminate communism
in education brought varied
opinions here last night at the
opening session of four-day
conference on the subject at
Howard University.
However, a flve-man panel
discussing the subject agreed the
present congressional investiga-
lions are not the solution to
the problem.
The panel was composed OF
DR.. Sidney Hooks professor OF
philosophy at New York Uni
versity; DR.. Ralph Himstead
general secretary Of the Ameri-
can Association of University
Professors; Alan Barth, editorial
writer for the Washington Post;
DR.. Werner Clapp. assistant Ii
brarian of Congress. and News
Commentator Elmer Davis.
In referring to the subject
under discussion: "How Shall
Academic Freedom Be Defined?"
Mr.. Davis said: "No matter what
definition this conference comes
up with, men like Mccarthy.
Jenner and Velde will not be
stopped.
Fair Hearing Discounted.
He declared that the colleges
cannot expect a fair hearing
under the present conditions.
These men lack both intel
lectual honesty and capability.
he added.
DR.. Clapp, the only Govern
ment representative on the panel,
defended investigations as max
ing it possible for the Govern
ment to insure itself of the con-
fidence of it's employees. He
himself sits on a loyalty board.
Unpleasant as it has been, the
Government loyalty system has
/ performed a great measure OF
service to the run-of-the-mine
Government employee, he said.
80 long as Government ad-
ministration is courageous in de-
filming and applying it's definition
of loyalty, it can protect itself
against unWarranted disturb
ance," he said.
If those in the academic
world can come to a conclusion
as to what they consider aca-
demic loyalty and get this def
milton accepted not only by the
professors. but also by their gov
erning boards and presidents,
then they would be able to pre-
sent a solid front to protect
themselves against unqualified
Investigations"
DR.. Himstead, who gave the
keynote address, contended that
if a professor is guilty of unpro-
fessional conduct or an unlawful
act he should be disqualified
from teaching. but his political
association is no test of a mans
capabilities as a teacher.
DR.. Hook explained that a man
should not be penalized because
he, at one time. Joined the Com
munist Party. However. he add
ed, continued membership in the
organization is a sign of the
intent to follow the party die
tates, and such men should be
made to resign.
Fears Campus Invasion.
He called upon the colleges
to clean their own houses.
Failure to do this" he added
lis to invite the McCarthys on
to the campus"
Mr.. Barth pointed out that II
is the Communist doctrine tt
make colleges serve the purposes
of the State.
I'm a free society,"" he added
"the university must enjoy in
dependence from Government
control"
Tonight's program, at S o'clock
will feature another panel dis
cussion. 1t will include Repre-
sentatives Boiling, Democrat, OF
Missouri, and GWinn, Republi-
can. of New York; DR.. Clapp, the
Rev. A. Powell Davies of All Souls
Unitarian Church, and DR.. Ma
thanial Weyl. economist. An
other panel discussion is sched-
uled for 8 pm. tomorrow and
the final session will be held al
10 am. Saturday.