Controversy at USC: Helen Douglas Doused in Hay and Water, 1950-05-17

Item — Box: 170, Folder: 7

Identifier: CAC_CC_014_5_170_7_0009

Staff Only

Helen Gahagan Douglas, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, was doused with water and hay by the Skull and Dagger society while trying to deliver a political address at the University of Southern California. The incident sparked campus-wide protests and criticism. The university president offered apologies to Douglas, and some of the students involved expressed regret for their actions. Douglas continued her speech, discussing the threat of Communism and the need for progressive measures in Congress.