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The University of Illinois in the Cold War Era 1945-1975: Civil Rights on Campus

Civil Rights on Campus

"Students Here Join in Selma Protests," Daily Illini

Civil Rights on Campus

Although the Cold War era brought repression and conformity, counter trends also emerged during the era that not only affected college students, but were often driven by them.  Energized by the Black civil rights movement, students and activists began to question racist practices and segregation locally and nationally, and adopted methods of protest.  By the late 1960s, the civil rights movement had strongly influenced other groups, which embraced its tactics.  Many protesters denounced corporate bureaucracy and arbitrary and autocratic higher educational environments.  Students across America engaged in acts of resistance to gain rights.