Institute for Sex Education records, 1916-1971

Old Resource ID was ISE

In July 1916, Budd C. Corbus, Samuel Carson, and Roger Sherman formed the Red League, forerunner to the Illinois Social Hygiene League, to combat the spread of venereal disease in Chicago, Illinois. In conjunction with the American Social Hygiene League (founded in 1914), the Red League developed programs focused on sex education, and the prevention, research, and treatment of venereal disease. The Red League sponsored public education programs, published and distributed educational materials, established free venereal disease clinics, and conducted studies of public health and social welfare problems.

In 1917, the Red League funded a survey of Chicago hospitals: "To learn what the present facilities are for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease." After visiting forty-one Chicago hospitals and dispensaries Dr. Mary C. Lincoln, the author of the survey, concluded that most lacked the necessary facilities, funding, and personnel to properly address the problem of venereal disease. Lincoln's conclusions led the Red League to pursue the establishment of free clinics in Chicago aimed specifically at treating venereal disease.

During WWI, The Red League shifted its focus to address the problem of venereal disease in the military. The Red League was given permission to solicit funds for: "The control, treatment and prevention of venereal diseases among the soldiers and sailors in the Chicago vicinity." As part of their campaign, the Red League printed and disseminated posters and anti-prostitution brochures to educate soldiers about the symptoms and treatment of venereal disease.

In March 1919, after the corporate seal of the Red League was lost, President Robert Gault and the Red League Board of Directors voted to change the name of the non-profit corporation to the Illinois Social Hygiene League (ISHL). Louis E. Schmidt, member of the ISHL Board of Directors for several years, became president in 1926. During Schmidt's tenure, the ISHL reorganized and established working relationships with the Social Hygiene Council, led by Dr Rachelle Yarros, the Public Health Institute, and the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. Cooperating with these three agencies enabled the ISHL to operate free clinics aimed at treating venereal disease in lower income neighborhoods of Chicago.

Each agency in the ISHL family performed specialized tasks that allowed the ISHL to pursue its multifaceted mission of research, education, and treatment. The Social Hygiene League utilized connections with public health and social service agencies such as the Illinois League of Women Voter's, the Chicago Woman's Club, The Chicago Urban League, Children's Memorial Hospital, and the Juvenile Protective Association to pursue its program of sex education. Students from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago assisted the ISHL's Social Service Department. Social work students conducted patient interviews, compiled clinic statistics, and visited patients at their homes to facilitate: "Social and economic readjustments. . . .making it possible for them [free clinic patients] to continue regular medical treatment." The Public Health Institute, an established V.D. clinic and research laboratory, referred free patients to the ISHL Social Hygiene Clinic located at 9 East Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Throughout the following decades, the ISHL enhanced their reputation by building alliances with universities, social service agencies, and government bodies. In 1942, the Louis E. Schmidt Foundation was established in recognition of Schmidt's accomplishments as president of the ISHL. The Louis E. Schmidt Foundation, operated through the Northwestern University medical school, permanently tied the work and activities of the ISHL with the medical school.

From 1942-1969, the ISHL continued to promote sex education as a means to stop the spread of venereal disease. The leaders of the ISHL during this period included Board Member, Dr. Jack H. Sloan, Director of Professional Services, Dr. Franklin R. Fitch, and President, Mr. Dean Duxbury. Under the direction of medical professionals such as Fitch and Sloan, the ISHL compiled curriculum guides, published educational materials to be used in Chicago public schools, and encouraged school boards and administrators to establish sex education programs. The ISHL also organized conferences, luncheons, and training seminars that brought together educators and the medical community in order to address issues related to venereal disease, sex education, and treatment.

In 1969, citing a desire to "clearly state what the League's function is," the Board of Directors voted to change the ISHL's name to the Institute for Sex Education. From 1969-1971, members of the ISE Board including Drs. Chester Watts, Franklin Fitch, and Jack Sloan, regularly appeared on television and radio programs and at high schools to deliver lectures on sex education and venereal disease. During these years, the Institute for Sex Education continued to publish studies, brochures, pamphlets, and curriculum guides, and generally worked to raise public consciousness about venereal disease.

The Institute for Sex Education Records reflects the founding, mission, associations, leadership, and evolution of the Institute for Sex Education. The records consist of meeting minutes generated by committees including the Board of Directors, pamphlets, photographs, bibliographies, curriculum guides, newspaper clippings, speech transcripts, and educational material.

None

Materials in this collection were donated to the University of Illinois at Chicago, Main Library, Special Collections, in 1972. In 2003, the cataloger arranged the collection into three series, reflecting The Institute for Sex Education's mission and organization.

None

Institute for Sex Education records, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Names
  • Illinois Social Hygiene League.
  • Institute for Sex Education. -- Archives
  • Social Hygiene Council (Ill.).
• Geographic CoverageIllinois.
• Subject
  • Public health.
  • Sex instruction.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases--Prevention.