American Student Union's "Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities,"
Item
Adopted Unanimously by Sixth Annual Convention - AMERICAN STUDENT UNION
We go to college, often at great sacrifice, to develop our talents and skills not alone to better
our individual economic position; but also as preparation to contribute toward the fuller utilization
of our cultural and natural resources for benefit of our whole nation. Youth can best serve democ-
racy by helping to make democracy serve the needs of the American people for economic security,
for jobs, for civil rights, for peace.
The universities must through scientific inquiry equip us with an understanding of the forces
which have contributed to the construction of America and the natural and human forces which
today, forward or retard the further progress of our people, They must encourage the practice of
democratic procedures in the university community so that we can learn to be constructive citizens.
But today the aspirations of the undergraduate meet resistance from those who control
American education; who seek to utilize its processes for the purposes of war. Obtaining college
education becomes more difficult. The production of individuals who can only work or develop
machinery of destruction is advanced as the aim of higher education. Independent thinking and
democratic activity are rigorously restricted.
Our universities must not cease to serve as instruments of progress. Out of loyalty to our
ideals, to our people, and to our country we must resist every perversion of democratic education
and unleash the great power of our numbers in common endeavor to maintain and extend the true
functions of university education. In answer to the evidence of increasing regimentation of thought
and action; we must re-affirm and win universal recognition for:
The right to higher education for all, regardless of sex, race, color, or economic status,
The right to a future wherein our education will be utilized in constructive labor for the well-
being of the people, :
The right of students and teachers to speak freely within and without the university without
fear of reprisal.
The right of students and teachers to organize in trade unions and co-operatives.
The right of students and teachers to form, join, and support organizations of their own
choosing, whether political, cultural, or religious.
The right to assemble within the university and to hear speakers of their own choosing.
The right to participate in matters of university policy and curriculum.
The right to petition for redress of grievances.
The right of college publications and student organizations to print and distribute literature
free from censorship.
We pledge to fulfill these responsibilities. To every American Student we sound this call: Let
us defend our rights and liberties with courage, and determination!
AMERICAN STUDENT UNION — 381 - 4th Avenue
We go to college, often at great sacrifice, to develop our talents and skills not alone to better
our individual economic position; but also as preparation to contribute toward the fuller utilization
of our cultural and natural resources for benefit of our whole nation. Youth can best serve democ-
racy by helping to make democracy serve the needs of the American people for economic security,
for jobs, for civil rights, for peace.
The universities must through scientific inquiry equip us with an understanding of the forces
which have contributed to the construction of America and the natural and human forces which
today, forward or retard the further progress of our people, They must encourage the practice of
democratic procedures in the university community so that we can learn to be constructive citizens.
But today the aspirations of the undergraduate meet resistance from those who control
American education; who seek to utilize its processes for the purposes of war. Obtaining college
education becomes more difficult. The production of individuals who can only work or develop
machinery of destruction is advanced as the aim of higher education. Independent thinking and
democratic activity are rigorously restricted.
Our universities must not cease to serve as instruments of progress. Out of loyalty to our
ideals, to our people, and to our country we must resist every perversion of democratic education
and unleash the great power of our numbers in common endeavor to maintain and extend the true
functions of university education. In answer to the evidence of increasing regimentation of thought
and action; we must re-affirm and win universal recognition for:
The right to higher education for all, regardless of sex, race, color, or economic status,
The right to a future wherein our education will be utilized in constructive labor for the well-
being of the people, :
The right of students and teachers to speak freely within and without the university without
fear of reprisal.
The right of students and teachers to organize in trade unions and co-operatives.
The right of students and teachers to form, join, and support organizations of their own
choosing, whether political, cultural, or religious.
The right to assemble within the university and to hear speakers of their own choosing.
The right to participate in matters of university policy and curriculum.
The right to petition for redress of grievances.
The right of college publications and student organizations to print and distribute literature
free from censorship.
We pledge to fulfill these responsibilities. To every American Student we sound this call: Let
us defend our rights and liberties with courage, and determination!
AMERICAN STUDENT UNION — 381 - 4th Avenue
Title
American Student Union's "Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities,"
Description
Adopted at the American Student Union's (ASU) 1940 convention, this document lays out the group's main tenets, namely the belief that peace and progress must be found and cultivated at each of the nation's universities. The charter also lists a set of progressive rights the group sought to "win universal recognition for."
The ASU, a left-wing national student organization, was formed in December 1935 following the merging of the National Student League and the Socialist Student League for Industrial Democracy. At the time, it was the largest of all national student groups, counting over 20,000 members in its rolls.
The ASU, a left-wing national student organization, was formed in December 1935 following the merging of the National Student League and the Socialist Student League for Industrial Democracy. At the time, it was the largest of all national student groups, counting over 20,000 members in its rolls.
Contributor
Smith, Carol
Creator
American Student Union
Date
January 1941
Language
English
Rights
Obtained from Contributor - Copyright Unknown
Source
Smith, Carol
Original Format
Flier / Leaflet (1 or 2 page handout)
American Student Union. Letter. “American Student Union’s ‘Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities,’.”, CUNY DIGITAL HISTORY ARCHIVE, accessed March 10, 2026, https://stephenz.tailc22a4b.ts.net/s/cdha/item/535