Columbia University Libraries

The occupation of five buildings in April 1968 marked a sea change in the relationships among Columbia University administration, its faculty, its student body, and its neighbors. Featuring documents, photographs, and audio from the University Archives, 1968: Columbia in Crisis examines the the causes, actions, and aftermath of a protest that captivated the campus, the nation, and the world. This online exhibition is based upon a physical exhibition of the same name which was on display in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library from March 17 to August 1, 2008. Unless otherwise noted, all images and documents are from collections found in the Columbia University Archives.

Image of 1968: Columbia in Crisis

Items in 1968: Columbia in Crisis

Image of "Kirk Bans Pickets in CU Buildings: September 25, 1967 "

"Kirk Bans Pickets in CU Buildings: September 25, 1967 "

Columbia Daily Spectator article: "Kirk Bans Pickets in CU Buildings," September 25, 1967

Learn More Image of "Liberated Women Remember Your Pill"

"Liberated Women Remember Your Pill"

"Liberated Women Remember Your Pill" - Courtesy of Gerald S. Adler, photographer, 1968

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Crowds heading to Low Library

Crowds heading to Low Library from the SAS/SDS Sun Dial Rally, April 23, 1968 Photo courtesy of Gerald S. Adler, photographer, 1968

Learn More Image of Defend the Right to Demonstrate

Defend the Right to Demonstrate

Circular: "Defend the Right to Demonstrate"

Learn More Image of Map of Columbia University campus in 1968

Map of Columbia University campus in 1968

Occupied buildings of Columbia University, shown in blue

Learn More Image of Mark Rudd and other SDS leaders at a Strike Coordinating Committee Press conference

Mark Rudd and other SDS leaders at a Strike Coordinating Committee Press conference

Mark Rudd and other SDS leaders at a Strike Coordinating Committee Press conference held on Friday, April 26, 1968

Learn More Image of Mark Rudd leading a discussion

Mark Rudd leading a discussion

Mark Rudd, SDS Chairman, leading a discussion in Fayerweather during the occupation. 1968

Learn More Image of Reply to Uncle Grayson

Reply to Uncle Grayson

Facsimile of the infamous letter from Mark Rudd to President Grayson Kirk entitled "Reply to Uncle Grayson" re-printed in Up Against the Wall, April 22, 1968 (p.1-2). Rudd ends the letter defiantly by writing, in the words of LeRoi Jones, "Up against the

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