File:1952-12-02-fbi-synopsis-bradley-university-president-homosexual.jpg

Summary

Credit to Douglas M. Charles, FBI historian and author of "Hoover's War on Gays: Exposing the FBI's Sex Deviates Program".

Related Pages

• FBI Activity On LGBTQIA Organizations (USA)

Document Info

Date: December 2, 1952

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Full Text

December 2, 1952

MR. D. M. LADD

A. H. BELMONT

BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

PEORIA, ILLINOIS

INFORMATION CONCERNING (INTERNAL SECURITY)

SYNOPSIS:

Senator Dirksen, Illinois, advised the Bureau on November 25, 1952, that the trustees of Bradley University have learned that David Blair Owen, President, is a homosexual and are endeavoring to place Owen on an extended leave of absence and then relieve him of his position in order to avoid as much publicity as possible. Senator Dirksen furnished allegations concerning Bradley faculty members to the affect that [redacted] is a Communist and that [redacted] is exploiting Owen. Senator Dirksen relayed his association with Owen and furnished unfounded information concerning Communist Party activities and the possible existence of an espionage apparatus at Bradley University, the widespread use of narcotics on the campus and the purchasing of grades by students. The Springfield Division was instructed to search its files for information concerning the allegations and for information relative to Owen, [redacted] Springfield Division advised that the sexual perversion rumor concerning Owen [?] encountered several months ago and [?] inquiring indicated that the rumor was intitiated by Gene Melohiere,a Bradley basketball star involved in fixed-games scandal, in order to pressurize the Bradley staff to compell cessation of the investigation. The Springfield Division stated that no information received indicated existence of Communist Party activities or operation of espionage apparatus at Bradley campus. Springfield Division also advised that no information received indicating widespread use of narcotics on campus and no information or rumor developed that money would purchase passing grades. Results of file check by Springfield Division and the Bureau concerning Owen, [redacted] attached; however, a resume of the information is incorporated into this memorandum. Possible reasons for Senator Dirksen furnishing the information set forth. It is recommended that the two individuals mentioned by Senator Dirksen as possessing information concerning this matter be interviewed.

PURPOSE:

In connection with the information furnished by Senator Dirksen on November 25, 1952, this is to advise you of the information contained in the files of the Springfield Division and the bureau.