How Local 192 Fought for Academic Freedom and Civil Rights in Philadelphia, 1934-1941

Abstract

While historians have often discussed the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) expulsion of three of its locals in 1941 due to their Communist affiliations, only the two New York unions have been the subjects of sustained scholarly attention. This article examines AFT Local 192, the Philadelphia Teachers Union, during its heyday between 1934 and 1941. Using archival documents and newspaper accounts, it argues for the significance of Local 192 as an example of social justice unionism, combining commitments to robust advocacy of classroom teachers in city and state government, fighting for racial equality, and fostering deep social networks with the families whose children appeared in union teachers’ classrooms.