A Brief History of Colby College


Student strike, Colby College, 1970

Student strike, Colby College, 1970
Item 12576   info
Colby College Special Collections

The 60s and 70s were decades that saw student social unrest as well as a large growth in the college's endowment.
Students participated in many demonstrations-for civil rights and later against the Vietnam War.

Black students occupied the Chapel seeking to increase black admissions and black studies programs. After a week they were served a legal injunction to leave the chapel.

Other students occupied the ROTC offices, and students participated in a nationwide student strike after the Kent State killings.

Throughout this period, students also sought more control over campus government, social life, and housing regulations.

There were also additions and experiments in the curriculum. Colby began its January Program (now known as Jan Plan) in 1962, established an East Asian studies major and the Senior Scholar program, and junior year abroad programs. The college became more aware of ecology, the environment, and diversity issues in its course offerings.

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