apologies

October 26, 1981 Forty years after the Rapp-Coudert dismissals, The City University of New York’s Board of Trustees (formerly known as the Board of Higher Education) unanimously adopts a historic resolution expressing “profound regret at the injustice done to the faculty and staff who had been dismissed or forced to resign in 1941 and 1942 because of their alleged political associations and beliefs and their unwillingness to testify publicly about them.”

In addition, the Board resolution promises“diligently to safeguard the constitutional rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association and open intellectual inquiry of the faculty, staff and students of the University.” The impetus for the Board of Trustees’ action comes from the City College Faculty Senate and the University Faculty Senate, encouraged by a public campaign.

A reception to honor the Rapp-Coudert victims and their families is held on December 17, 1981, at City College. It is hosted by new CCNY president Bernard Harleston.

Morris, Henry and Jack Foner being greeted at the reception by President Harleston, December 17, 1981.

April 1982 After many years and numerous court battles, ten CUNY faculty members who had been dismissed during the McCarthy era are granted retroactive pensions. The Board of Trustees urges action on their behalf, saying their dismissals were the result of the “shameful era” of McCarthyism.

June 1982 Sir Moses Finley, a former evening instructor in the history department, dismissed from City College during the Rapp-Coudert investigations, is awarded an honorary doctorate.

May 2002 Dr. Irving Adler, a City College graduate dismissed from his high school teaching job by the NYC Board of Education during the McCarthy period, along with over 350 other public school teachers and faculty, is awarded an honorary doctorate by the college. (Irving Adler, first figure on the left, protesting his suspension by the Board of Education in 1953).