SDS at the University of Michigan (jan 1, 1960 – jan 1, 1966)
Description:
SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) was one of the first protest organisations set up by students which first met at the University of Michigan in 1960
It released the “Port Huron Statement” in 1962, which explained that its aims were to campaign against ‘racial injustice, war and the violation of human rights’
Many members of the SDS took part in the civil rights sit-ins and freedom rides of 1961-62
Its first focus as an organisation, however, was on campaigning for better student rights within universities and colleges
It organised sit-ins and rallies to try and give students more say in the policies and practices of the universities (eg. the courses offered)
The SDS also protested against the rules that allowed university officials to act like the students’ parents by setting strict rules (eg. saying what time students had to return to their accomodation in the evening)
The SDS began as a small organisation, but it grew throughout the 1960s - by the end of the decade, 150 colleges/universities across the US had SDS groups, with a total of 100k members
Membership dramatically increased in 1966 because of opposition to the Vietnam War
Added to timeline:
USA 1945 - 1974
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