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American Civil Liberties Union: National Committee on Conscientious Objectors Records, 1940-1946 (inclusive)

Extent:

13.25 linear ft. (33 boxes)

Abstract:

The roots of the NCCO began shortly after conscription in WWII was instituted. Little is known about the New York Office of the NCCO. It was headquartered at 31 Union Square West in New York City (NY) where the ACLU had its offices, and was likely set up in 1940, under the chairmanship of Norman Angell, and stayed in existence through 1945. In Washington (DC), the Temporary Committee for Legal Aid to Conscientious Objectors was formed in 1940. R. Boland Brooks had gone to NSBRO (National Service Board for Conscientious Objectors) under the sponsorship of this committee. In 1942, George Reeves and R. Boland Brooks left their posts at the National Service Board for Conscientious Objectors. The relationship of Brooks and the Legal Aid Committee was re-established after the resignations from NSBRO. Reorganizing as Legal Service to Conscientious Objectors, the Committee agreed to sponsor a Washington service bureau, with Brooks as director and Reeves as assistant director. An office was...(see more)

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Women's Committee to Oppose Conscription Records, 1942-1948 (inclusive)

Extent:

7.25 linear ft. (7.25 linear ft.)

Abstract:

This group was originally named the Committee to Oppose the Conscription of Women [WCOC], and then the National Committee to Oppose the Conscription of Women. It was formed in 1942 to protest the Austin-Wadsworth legislative bills and similar measures, which proposed that American women be drated into a civilian workforce for the duration of World War II. When the immediate threat of drafting women had passed, the group changed its name again, this time to the Women's Committee to Oppose Conscription, reflecting its stand against any conscription. Mildred Scott Olmsted served as Director, A.J. Muste as Treasurer, and Grace Rhoads as secretary. The Committee was headed by Katherine Pierce and Frances Chalmers of New York City.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]