In May, 1936 more than 2,500 students protested the “ultra-conservative, dictatorial administrative policies,” including policies put in place by the dean of women, Annie Fertig. After the protest, Fertig was asked to take leave without pay and was later fired by President Holland. Fertig claimed the students were protesting policies that didn’t exist, like rules against wearing red dresses or using blankets during picnics. On May 8th, the Evergreen summed up the results of the protest in an article titled “All Requests Are Granted.”

 

Student Demands - 1936 Strike
Student Demands – 1936 Strike
Students protesting on the lawn below President Holland's office in the Administration Building (now Thompson Hall).
Students protesting on the lawn below President Holland’s office in the Administration Building (now Thompson Hall).