When and where was SLATE founded?
SLATE was established in February 1958 at the University of California, Berkeley. The organization emerged from earlier political failures and the shadow of McCarthyism.
Questions about Slate
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the founders of SLATE?
Mike Miller formed SLATE by joining forces with Fritjof Thygeson, Rick White, Peter Franck, Marv Sternberg, and Wilson Carey McWilliams. These individuals created a campus political party to support racial equality and free speech.
Why did the university ban SLATE in June 1961?
The university banned SLATE from the campus entirely because members insisted on taking stands on off-campus public issues like racial discrimination or war and peace. This decision followed directives developed by Chancellor Clark Kerr that prohibited such activities for student organizations.
What happened to SLATE after October 1966?
SLATE voted to dissolve itself in October 1966 following electoral losses and the rejection of their proposed constitution in an April referendum. The group disbanded due to a growing sense among students that internal politics could not effect real change.
When did the first reunion of former SLATE members take place?
A first reunion attended by approximately 150 former members occurred in June 1984 at the Berkeley campus. Reunions continued in 2000 and 2004 marking anniversaries of the Free Speech Movement.