Letter from Dr. Howard Neville to Donald M. McNeil

Letter from Dr. Howard Neville to Donald M. McNeil, March 8, 1974, Raymond H. Fogler Library Special Collectionshttps://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/wilde-stein-exhibit-documents/1004/thumbnail.jp

A New Beginning: An Address by Howard R. Neville, Twelfth President of the University of Maine at Orono/Bangor, Academic Convocation

A scanned version of a published version of a speech given by University of Maine President Howard R. Neville in 1974. The introduction begins by summarizing the purpose of the presentation, noting: We are having this Academic Convocation today in order that I may speak to the members of the University community to give you some sense of your new President\u27s thinking about the State of the University, what goals we may set for ourselves for the Seventies, and what immediate steps I plan to take to turn the institution\u27s momentum in the directions these goals might take us

Letter seeking advice from University Chancellor

Letter from President Howard R. Neville to Chancellor Donald R. McNeil requesting guidance on handling a request from the Wilde-Stein Club to host a gay symposium on the University of Maine, Orono campus

Letter summarizing the history of the Wilde-Stein gay symposium controversy

Letter from President Howard R. Neville to Chancellor Donald R. McNeil summarizing the various steps which took us to the Board of Trustees meeting on the Wilde-Stein issue

Letter to Chancellor Donald R. McNeil from President Howard R. Neville seeking advice from University Chancellor

Letter to Chancellor Donald R. McNeil from President Howard R. Neville seeking advice from University Chancellor, January 18, 1974. Raymond H. Fogler Library Special Collections.https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/wilde-stein-exhibit-documents/1008/thumbnail.jp

Internal memos regarding the homosexual issue

Typed internal memos exchanged between University of Maine administrators regarding the Wilde-Stein Club and comments by an administrator that homosexuality [is] a sickness

Correspondence from a Maine Citizen

Typed letter from a Maine citizen in support of holding a gay symposium on the UMaine campus. President Howard Neville penned a handwritten response at the bottom of the letter that reads: Dear Gerri Merola - Thanks very much for your letter. The Ayes stack is much smaller than the Nays. Yours helps - S Y - HR

Correspondence from a UMaine Alumnus

Handwritten, one-and-a half-page letter from a UMaine alumnus located in Michigan denouncing the University\u27s position regarding the Wilde-Stein Club and gay symposium. Transcription: March 24, 1973 Gentlemen, For many years I contributed to the Alumni Fund but I find it impossible to do anymore. Although I have not lived in the state since graduation, I have been kept informed. What I have heard, I do not agree with. The policy changes at the U of M, during recent years, are not ones that I in any way can support. The Homosexual Convention was the last straw. You can cross me off your list and save postage because my money will never be used for or connected with a University that sanctions what has been going on at Maine. I\u27m sure that many Alumnae feel as I do. (over) If and when the University - forget it - You will note that I used my own stamp. Wouldn\u27t want more Taxpayer money spent on unsolicited comments. [Redacted

Correspondence from a Maine Citizen

Typed letter from a Maine citizen expressing homophobic views and President Howard R. Neville\u27s response

Correspondence from a UMaine Alumna

Handwritten letter from a UMaine alumna to President Neville expressing her opinions regarding the Wilde-Stein Club and the pending gay symposium and Neville\u27s response lamenting the decision of Trustees. Transcript: Dear Dr. Neville I am sending this to you to be passed on to the Editor of the Campus. I do this as it is questionable if it will ever be seen. It is not at all in praise of the Editor or his staff. I also want you to know that we realize yours + the University\u27s position is one forced upon you. It seems too bad however that decent institutions have to condone things that are against everything they have always stood for. Today is it ever thus. It is minority rule. [Redacted] and I say quite often we guess we have lived too long. All our beliefs are being shattered. Sincerely, [Redacted