Sidney Eisenberger (b. 1907), was a New York City Communist, and a chemistry instructor at City College, City University of New York (City).
The New York State Legislature Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate the Educational System of the State of New York, known as the Rapp-Coudert Committee (1940-42) was created to examine the extent of “subversive activities” in the state’s schools and colleges. The Committee subpoenaed City College students, faculty and administrators, who were required to give testimony about their political affiliations and those of their associates. Among some fifty staff and faculty alleged to be members of the Communist Party, eleven, including Eisenberger, were dismissed on April 22, 1941, for allegedly giving false testimony to the Rapp-Coudert Committee when they denied Communist Party membership during the Committee’s hearings.
Subsequently, Eisenberger went to work for Gussack Machine Products, whose general manager and part owner, Moses Cammer, employed many blacklisted professionals. In his later years, Eisenberger wrote this autobiographical typescript.
Sources:
- The Struggle for Free Speech at CCNY, 1931-1942, an online exhibit. (http://www.vny.cuny.edu/gutter/panels/panel1.html)
From the guide to the Sidney Eisenberger Autobiographical Manuscript:, Communism on Campus: Recollections and Comments of a Former Communist Teacher at CCNY, Bulk, 1976-1986, 1976-2008, (Bulk 1976-1986), (Tamiment Library / Wagner Archives)
