Document Type

Correspondence

Correspondence from a Maine Citizen

Authors

Name Redacted
Howard R. Neville, President, University of Maine

Publication Date

3-26-1974

Abstract/ Summary

Handwritten, four-page letter from a Maine citizen expressing homophobic views and President Howard Neville's response. Includes enclosure. Transcript. Dr. Howard Neville Pres. of U. of M. Orono, Maine Raymond Ave. Pittsfield, Me. March 26,74 Dear Mr. Neville, I do appreciate your kind answer to my letter. I know you are busy and will not look for an answer to this but I feel I must write you again. I was out of state for a number of weeks and did not learn of this until recently. But I can't understand why U. of M. has to follow University at Atlanta, Ga. Spain and Mexico have bullfights--ugh--Praise the Lord for the foresight of the Maine Legislators in passing the bill to prohibit them in our dear state of Maine. Too, according to the statement of the Chancellor, the trustees (for I understand it was unanimous) and the President all in favor be cause one other state had allowed it. Streaking started on a college campus--now is has not only spread to other colleges but to high school students. [-page 2-] Then if homosexuality is endorsed by U. of M., isn't it, too, liable to spread to other colleges and to high schools? Can you have this on your conscience? As to the ruling made in 1967 and 1969 wouldn't it be a good idea to change or modify--words could be added--"meetings of groups which not endanger the image of the University." To me, it proves there was not one born-again Christian in the group who made the decision. Please read clipping concerning Pres. James Dickinson of Portland who dared to take a stand for the right. If I'd been Pres. of U. of M. and I had to make the decision I would have suggested the change in 1967 and '69 ruling and said I couldn't go along with it--(Wilde-Stein Club--Wild is a good name for such.) I'd would have stood firm even if it meant my resignation. There's always an opening for such a man of courage. [-page 3-] I beg, beseech, implore or challenge you to please read the enclosed tracts. I shall be praying that the Holy Spirit will work in your heart and give you courage to see the light and stand for the right. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life." That group could meet elsewhere if they must, and not on U. of M. supported by state taxpayers. I Corinthians [sic] 1:18 For The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Philippians 2:9, 10 and 11 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. 10. That at the name of Jesus every kn- should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the ea- 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father. [-page 4-] So, those who laugh now will one day bow and confess but at that day it will be too late. If you will please read the tract then please hand them to Dr. McNeil to please read and ask him to hand them to Dr. Cutler. Every time we write a date (1974) we do before we even recall that's when Jesus our savior was born. This letter is intended to be respectful and is written Prayerfully yours, [Redacted] P.S. Sorry I haven't a typewriter.

Comments

Captured from the files of the University Archives by student intern Madison Riley. Libraries and archives collect materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, library materials, such as those presented here, may reflect racist and homophobic views that may be harmful and difficult to view.

Identifier

UA RG_0003_007_b0014_f2a_16-redacted

Repository Citation

Redacted, Name and Neville, Howard R., "Correspondence from a Maine Citizen" (1974). Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. 330.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/social_justice/330

Version

publisher's version of the published document

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).