Education: Mind in the Making

Knoxville is officially the seat of higher learning in Tennessee. There is situated the University of Tennessee. Its President is Harcourt A. Morgan. Its trouble is—or at least began with—evolution. Professor James W. Sprowls was until lately a member of the faculty. During the Spring, however, he taught evolution and assigned James Harvey Robinson’s The Mind in the Making as “outside” reading. Thereupon he departed by request of the University administration. The students took offense at this and discontent was open among them. Dean Maurice Mulvania suggested to President Morgan that the students be given a measure of self-government. President Morgan asked Dr. Mulvania to canvass the faculty for suggestions for a “University Consti-tution.” When the suggestions were made public, they “kindled President Morgan’s anger.” Meanwhile, four professors asked the American Association of University Professors to investigate Professor Sprowls’ dismissal. Then the University administration took a hand and catechized professors as to their opinions and activities in the Sprowls case. Six other dismissals followed, including those of the Dean of the Law School, Dean of the Pre-Medical Faculty, head of the Department of Psychology and head of the Department of Ancient Languages. When this transpired, the Alumni took action. Through their activities a meeting of the Board of Trustees was called for July 17 to consider the dismissals. What is more, the Alumni secured from Governor Peay of Tennessee a promise that if the trustees do not do justice to the dismissed professors, an impartial inquiry will be made.