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Homophiles of Penn State records

 Collection
Identifier: 00450

Scope and Contents

The Homophiles of Penn State (HOPS) collection contains newsletters, magazines, and pamphlets dealing with the events surrounding the club's endeavor to achieve official club status at Penn State University, as well as gay newsletters and books, 1965-1968.

Dates

  • 1965-1979

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Photocopies of original materials may be made available for research purposes at the discretion of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library. Photocopies or reproductions of original materials may be subject to fees as outlined by the Pennsylvania State University Libraries reproduction policies.

Copyright is retained by the creators of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. Patrons seeking advice on the availability of unpublished materials for publication should consult relevant copyright law and laws of libel.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Abstract

Homophiles of Penn State (HOPS) was a student organization formed in 1971. The club aimed to change attitudes on homosexuality. HOPS was not limited to Penn State students, people in the surrounding areas were encourged to join the organization regardless of their sexualities. HOPS state that the word homophile means anyone who advocates the end of discrimination against homosexuals.

Location

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Penn State University Libraries catalog via the link above. Archival collections may be housed in offsite storage. For materials stored offsite, please allow 2-3 business days for retrieval.

Biographical or Historical Note

The Homophilies of Penn State, also known as HOPS, was a student organization founded in 1971 at the Pennsylvania State University. The club aimed to change attitudes on homosexuality through legal reform, pubic education and individual counseling.

In Marh of 1971, the club was officially recognized by Penn State, however two months later after concern expressed by the University administration the club's charter was suspended on May 7, 1971 so the administration could review the legality of the organization.

In February of 1972, Penn State students filed a civil action against the University in Common Pleas Court of Centre County for revoking the charter. It was based on the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968. After the case had exhausted its legal recourse, HOPS was formally recognized by the University as an official school-sanctioned organization in 1973. Ten years later, HOPS disbanded because of a lack of membership.

Title
Homophiles of Penn State records, 1965-1979
Status
Published
Author
Prepared by Special Collections Library faculty/staff
Date
2017
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library Repository

Contact:
104 Paterno Library
Penn State University
University Park 16802 USA