The Monthly Publication of the ACLU, Civil Liberties, 8 Issues Documenting a Tumultuous 1966 Fighting for Free Speech, Anti-Draft stance, Objector to Vietnam War, Desegregation and More

Civil Liberties Archive

Ephemera and pamphlets

A powerful eight-issue run of Civil Liberties, the monthly publication of the American Civil Liberties Union, spanning February through December 1966 (Nos. 234–242). Each issue is a 4-page bifolio measuring 11.5" x 8.5", documenting the ACLU’s legal, political, and educational campaigns during a pivotal year of U.S. domestic unrest over the Vietnam War, civil rights, and constitutional freedoms. The 1966 run tracks the organization’s vocal opposition to conscription, loyalty oaths, HUAC proceedings, and racial injustice, while championing free speech, desegregation, and the protection of draft resisters and conscientious objectors. Visually, the issues feature bold mastheads, political cartoons (including several satirizing HUAC and Medicare loyalty oaths), and impactful photographs—such as the arrest of masked civil rights performers in Denver and a dramatic image of police confronting demonstrators protesting Medicare loyalty oaths.

This lot includes the following issues:

[1] Civil Liberties, No. 234, February 1966. Headlined “Union Asks Release of Officer; To Appeal His Free Speech Case,” the issue reports on the case of an American officer disciplined for antiwar remarks. It also critiques “Medicare Disclaimer Under ACLU Attack,” and details how “Reaction to Anti-War Protests Creates Civil Liberties Problems Coast to Coast.” A cartoon critiques hospital loyalty oaths, depicting a man signing a disclaimer while death looms beside him.

[2] Civil Liberties, No. 235, March 1966.“ACLU Board Adopts New Policies On Conscription and War Issues” outlines the ACLU's expanded anti-draft stance. It reports on a Catholic pacifist’s conviction in New York and efforts to deploy five civil rights attorneys across the South. A cartoon shows armed police frisking a civilian under the headline “THE BALLOT OR THE BULLET?”

[3] Civil Liberties, No. 236, April 1966. Focuses on “ACLU Representing Lynd, Hayden In Action vs. Department of State,” defending SDS-affiliated academics targeted for international travel restriction. It also features “Union Challenges Medicare Loyalty Oath On Behalf of Three Women—70, 85, 95.” One cartoon shows a bedridden woman refusing to sign the oath.

[4] Civil Liberties, No. 238, July 1966. Covers the ACLU’s Biennial Conference and national strategy planning, with the lead “Union Holds Biennial Conference; Charts Plans for Next Ten Years.” Also addresses “Police Interrogation Ruling is Welcomed” and the election of four board members. A cartoon shows a suited man offering a valise of “Freedom” with the quote “You want it? You can’t afford it!”

[5] Civil Liberties, No. 239, September 1966. Titled “CLU Asks Draft Exemption For Objector to Viet War,” this issue continues the ACLU’s fight for conscience-based CO recognition. The piece “Court Orders Positive Steps to End De Facto School Segregation” provides a notable legal advance for school equity. Includes a cartoon with a man reading the Bill of Rights under a U.S. Supreme Court placard.

[6] Civil Liberties, No. 240, October 1966. “High Court Term Opens” previews an upcoming docket heavy with civil liberties cases. The article “Illinois Opposes Nazi March Ban” reveals First Amendment defense of unpopular speech. A photograph shows President Johnson signing the Bail Reform Act. A major article critiques the “Arrest Question” in federal employment applications.

[7] Civil Liberties, No. 241, November 1966. “Court Prohibits Legislature From Picking Ga. Governor” describes a victory for democratic electoral procedure. Also includes “Civil Rights Minstrels Arrested” with a striking image of performers in gas masks, and “Peace Party Elbowed Off Ballot As Del. Passes 3rd-Party Law.”

[8] Civil Liberties, No. 242, December 1966. Highlights “Medicare Oath Downed: ACLU/SC Wins Round in National Campaign.” Also covers “Supreme Court to Review Convictions Of Anti-Viet Nam War Demonstrators” and “Union Files for Soldier Who Wants CO Discharge.” A photo shows a confrontation between demonstrators and police, emblematic of the tension over medical loyalty oaths.

Together, this archive offers a panoramic and unflinching view of the ACLU’s civil liberties battles in 1966. Very good condition overall.

Item #22403

Price: $285.00