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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois in the Cold War Era 1945-1975: Sex, Censorship and the College Scene

Sex, Censorship and the College Scene

Sex, Censorship and the College Scene

llinois frat brothers check out a centerfold, Illio, circa 1966

During the post-World War II era college students found themselves caught between the puritanical era of conformity and the burgeoning movement to open discussions of sexualities. Although the demands of public morality limited the amount of discussion of sexual topics, student publications often flouted these proscriptions. The release of the Kinsey Reports and the overturning of obscenity laws also opened new avenues of discourse on campus. In the 1960s, the availability of the birth control pill and the questioning of conventional sexual norms led to new understandings of sexual practices for many college students.

University of Illinois Sources:

Shaft, 1947-1955 (RS: 41/8/820): a college humor magazine written and edited by students.  Hugh Hefner edited for the magazine.

Chaff, 1957-1962 (RS: 41/8/821): published monthly during the school year as a college humor magazine, written and edited by students.

The College Tumor, 1932-39, 1943, 1947-61, 1963-77, 1979-83, 1986-87 (RS 41/67/942): Published annually for homecoming by Sigma Delta Chi containing articles, photographs and cartoons satirizing and parodying campus life.

Men's Residence Hall Association File, 1954-1966 (RS: 41/62/8): Residence Hall publications include discussions of men’s life and centerfold pictures.

Assistant Dean's Subject File, 1969-1972 (RS 41/3/12):  Includes information on sex education on campus.

Walrus, 1968- (RS: 41/66/869):  An underground newspaper published by students that dealt with sex issues.

Paula Treichler Papers, 1970-1998 (RS: 52/5/21):  Includes information on Human Sexuality courses. Daily Illini, 1874- (Microform in Newspaper Library)

Bibliography:

Helen Gurley Brown, Sex and the Single Girl (New York: 1962).

Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, and Clyde E. Martin, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (Philadelphia: 1948).

Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, and Clyde E. Martin, Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (Philadelphia: 1948).

Sex and the College Student (New York: 1966).