Hidden History of Teachers and the Red Scare — A Conversation with J. Smith

Join us for an evening with Jane S. Smith, historian and author whose work shines a light on key moments in American history through personal narratives. Jane has taught at Northwestern University in both the English and Preventive Medicine departments and currently holds a position in Northwestern’s Department of History.

Her new book, A Blacklist Education, is a powerful exploration of political repression during the McCarthy era. After learning decades later that her own father was blacklisted and forced out of his job as a high school teacher, Jane investigates this largely forgotten chapter of history: the1950s purge of left-leaning educators in New York City. Through personal stories, archival research, and family history, the book reveals the human cost of fear-driven political persecution and draws parallels to ongoing challenges in education and free speech today.

Jane will explore the forgotten program to remove teachers from New York City public schools during the Red Scare, discuss the process of writing personal history, and reflect on how the McCarthy era’s legacy still shapes school politics and freedom of expression.

The evening will conclude with a Q&A and book signing.

Host or Publisher Slant of Light Books