John T. Rettaliata student protest photographs, 1970

Collection

Identifier: 024.05.09

Description of the Collection

Photographs of student protests on campus at Illinois Institute of Technology. Seven photographs of the Perlstein Hall sit-in show Rettaliata, James J. Brophy (academic vice president), and several other administrators facing the demonstrators. Thirteen images document a large crowd of protesters seated and standing in front of Perlstein Hall being addressed by student leaders-- some of the speakers were reportedly from Kent State. Fourteen images document Rettaliata's appearance before the open meeting.

Dates

Creation: 1970

Creator

Rettaliata, John T., Dr. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Available for Research

Biographical / Historical

Following the May 4, 1970 fatal shootings of four students at Kent State University by the Ohio National Guard, eight million students (middle school, high school, and college) participated in a national "strike" protesting the events at Kent State. At IIT, there were two days of protests on May 7th and 8th with students holding a sit-in demonstration on the second floor of Perlstein Hall, site of IIT administrative offices. Once Pres. Rettaliata agreed to attend an open meeting of students and faculty that afternoon the Perlstein sit-in then dispersed. Rettaliata then answered questions for nearly four hours and reiterated his position that classes would remain in session for those who wished to attend, while those who wished to boycott would not be penalized.