Denison University’s Queer Night series presents a screening of “The Committee,” a documentary about the purging of gay and lesbian teachers and students from Florida’s state universities in the 1950s and 1960s, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Room 305 of the Bryant Arts Center (210 West College Street). This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bill Kirkpatrick at 740-587-8512.

Dr. Karen Graves, professor of educational studies at Denison, wrote a book on these events titled "And They Were Wonderful Teachers," and is interviewed in the film. She will introduce the screening and lead discussion afterwards.

Fifty years ago, Florida’s Legislative Investigative Committee, led by Senator Charley Johns sought to remove homosexuals from Florida’s state universities. As a result of the “Johns Committee’s” efforts, more than 200 gay and lesbian students and teachers were expelled or fired. Featuring two of the victims and one interrogator, the film exposes the committee’s subversive activities and how its effects are still felt today.

This event is part of Queer Night (QS238), a class offered by the Denison Queer Studies program. Members of the public and the campus community are welcome to join our students in the screening and discussion.