From 1900 to the late 1920s, America had an active eugenics movement. States and supporters argued for the public good; requiring the removal from the population genes thought to cause low intelligence, or immoral, criminal or anti-social behavior, which in turn allowed for compulsory sterilization laws. Some Governors, state and federal courts regularly found these laws unconstitutional. Using a selection of primary documents we will explore why this movement was so popular and why it was challenged.

All attendees of this free seminar will receive a letter of attendance as well as paper and digital copies of the reader. Lunch will be provided.