Constellation Similarity Assertions

The Walter L. Powers Papers include the Faculty Organization minutes and correspondence pertinent to the Willam B. (Red) Reese controversy. William Reese had been a member of the Eastern Washington College faculty since 1930 and was announced as a candidate for head of the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1951. This created a controversy because there was debate over whether Reese met the minimum requirements for the position, chiefly that he did not have a masters degree. Then, an April 1953 catalog announced that Reese was a full professor holding a Master of Education. Questioning of Reeses completion of the masters degree caused an investigation by the Faculty Organization, culminating in the resignation of several staff and a no confidence vote on the administration by faculty and students.

Results of the controversy included: 1) Dr. Otis Freeman's resignation ; 2) Clearing of the records of eight faculty accused of "insubordination, unprofessional conduct, and behavior detrimental to the college" and a cash settlement for five of these faculty ; 3) Removal of Reese from the head of the Division of Health, Recreation, and Physical Education, though he was retained as Director of Athletics and coach of basketball and track; 4) Strengthening of the Faculty Organization; 5) Passage of a state law requiring a five-member board of trustees for each of the colleges of education.

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