Civil Liberties ACLU Newsletter Archive, 10 Issues from 1964 Fighting Censorship and Segregation to Shaping Electoral Discourse During the Civil Rights Act Era

ACLU 1964 Civil Liberties

Archive

Civil Liberties ACLU Newsletter Archive, 10 Issues from 1964 Documenting the JFK Assassination and the Peak of the Civil Rights Movement. A complete ten-issue run of 1964's Civil Liberties, the (near) monthly newsletter of the American Civil Liberties Union, spanning January through December 1964 (Nos. 212–221). Each issue is a bifolio, measuring 11.5" x 8.5", and collectively charts the ACLU’s efforts in a pivotal election year marked by civil rights mobilization, desegregation battles, and renewed threats to First Amendment freedoms. Topics include school integration, anti-communist censorship in media and the post, religious encroachment on education, political platform reform, and the ACLU’s internal expansion strategy. The archive captures the Union’s front-line engagement with landmark civil liberties issues during the immediate aftermath of JFK’s assassination and the lead-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

[1] Civil Liberties, No. 212, January 1964. “Union Releases Full Statement on Assassination and Oswald Case” affirms that “sound law enforcement must include strong safeguards for the innocent,” condemning speculation about guilt in the JFK assassination. The issue urges members to support the ACLU’s mission in the wake of national trauma. Includes a portrait of John F. Kennedy and tributes from Roger Baldwin and international civil rights advocates.

[2] Civil Liberties, No. 213, February 1964. “New State-Wide Georgia ACLU Is Chartered by National Board” announces the formal recognition of Georgia’s affiliate amidst Southern civil rights unrest. Roger Baldwin is celebrated on his 80th birthday, receiving a telegram from President Lyndon B. Johnson. The ACLU outlines its refusal to support individuals who “advocate totalitarian doctrines,” highlighting its balancing act between free speech and internal policy.

[3] Civil Liberties, No. 214, March 1964. “ACLU Cleared of ‘Communist’ Charge in Goldmark Victory” refutes smears against the Union in a pivotal Washington State case. “Civil Rights Bill Now Faces Senate Battle” urges action in support of federal protections. A cartoon titled “Half Slave and Half Free” depicts constitutional hypocrisy regarding race. The ACLU asserts, “The only alternative is federal legislation that will assure fair and equal treatment.”

[4] Civil Liberties, No. 215, April 1964.“ACLU Publishes Two Pamphlets in the Academic Freedom Area” introduces literature defending educators’ rights amid loyalty investigations. “Union Hits Rights Bill Amendments” criticizes Senate efforts to weaken the Civil Rights Act. The issue denounces tactics that “thwart the constitutional guarantee of equal protection.”

[5] Civil Liberties, No. 216, May 1964. “ACLU Charges Post Office with Censoring Mail Within the U.S.” exposes surveillance and suppression of allegedly subversive content, warning that “the chilling effect... is destroying legitimate channels of dissent.” Also features opposition to TV-radio bans on Communists and efforts to preserve fair access to public information.

[6] Civil Liberties, No. 217, June 1964. “Mississippi College Is Backed by the Union” supports Tougaloo College in its stand against state retaliation. “Episcopal Minister Argues ACLU Case Against Becker Amendment” challenges a proposed constitutional amendment mandating school prayer. Includes cartoon with founding fathers dismissing religious mandates: “Who Cares What the Founding Fathers Said?”

[7] Civil Liberties, No. 218, September 1964. “GOP Platform Unit Hears ACLU Leader” chronicles the Union’s testimony urging platform planks on school desegregation and religious liberty. “Grenville Clark, for ACLU, Hits Reapportionment Delay Bills” critiques legislative stalling of fair districting. Emphasis is placed on maintaining equal representation as a core democratic principle.

[8] Civil Liberties, No. 219, October 1964. “ACLU Publishes Johnson Statement on Civil Liberties, GOP Platform Excerpts” offers a side-by-side comparison of presidential candidates’ positions on civil rights and liberties. “Ala. Attorney Opens ACLU Atlanta Office” expands ACLU operations in the South. Includes excerpts from the GOP platform promising to “eliminate segregation.”

[9] Civil Liberties, No. 220, November 1964. Special 1965 Expansion Issue. Introduced by Ralph Brown, Leonard Swett, and others, this issue charts “a program of steady growth,” noting that ACLU membership had quadrupled over ten years. “Bringing Freedom to the South” details grassroots legal efforts in Georgia and Mississippi. A JFK quote underscores the newsletter: “Not merely to defend freedom; to extend its writ. To strengthen its covenant.”

[10] Civil Liberties, No. 221, December 1964. “ACLU, Rights Movement Lose in California’s Referendum Battle” covers the narrow defeat of Proposition 14, which effectively nullified fair housing legislation in California. The ACLU calls it a “retreat in the fight against racial discrimination.” Also reports on efforts to defend a man held on death row for 14 years, and the Union’s involvement in labor rights cases affecting union members.

Overall in very good condition with light mailing folds, some faint edge toning. This complete 1964 editorial run captures the ACLU’s engagement with the most urgent civil liberties issues of the year, from fighting censorship and segregation to shaping electoral discourse during the Civil Rights Act era.

Item #22402

Price: $285.00