Archives Gold #25: 50 Objects for UMBC's 50th

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:05:21 -0400
active, archives-gold, special-collections, umbc50

Special Collections continues our archival project Archives Gold: 50 Objects for UMBC's 50th, a special series showcasing 50 different objects that tell the story of UMBC. This week we present a page from The Retriever describing the Student People's Party in 1971.

The Retriever, Volume 6, Number 3, September 21, 1971. UPUB-R4 University Publications, University Archives, Special Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD)

In the spring of 1971, among the aspiring SGA election nominees were a group of students who had organized themselves as the People's Party. The party's goal was to completely redesign student life and the appropriation of funds on the UMBC campus with the hopes of expanding community and student development. Proposed programs included a more effective student book service, the establishment of a UMBC Day Care Center, and the creation of an abortion counseling service.

Though the party gathered popular support for their ideas, and even won election, once the Student People's Party was in office they were unable to accomplish what they had promised to do. Soon after, enough students pulled together to sign a petition that called for a re-election. The Student People's Party was swiftly voted out of office.

Learn More:

-History of UMBC Research Guide

-University Archives Webpage

-Digital Link to Student People's Party Page in the Retriever (Volume 6, Number 3)

-Article in The Retriever (Volume 6, Number 1) "The People Take Office"

-Article in The Retriever (Volume 6, Number 7) "SGA Votes for Recall Election"

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