This correspondence is addressed to Dr. Elton Abernathy, Department of Speech, Southwest Texas State Teachers College from Rupert C. Koeninger, Department of Sociology, Sam Houston State Teachers College.

Rueprt C. Koeninger writes to Dr. Elton Abernathy stating that he has enclosed several copies of the mimeograpgh statement that was used for the presentation to Dr. Fidler of the American Association of University Professors. Koeninger mentions to Abernathy that Fidler was in the Houston area and several of the Sam Houston State Teachers College faculty met with Fidler concerning Koeninger's situation as well as faculty members having academic freedom and tenure at Sam Houston State Teachers College. Regarding this, Koeninger mentions that Fidler has set the investigation in motion.

Koeninger states a few facts pertaining to his threatened termination and mentions him and others beleive the local Birch Society made a complaint about Koeninger last year, 1961.

Koeninger asks for Abernathy's and the Texas Association of College Teachers' help in assisting him in the matter of his possible termination. Koeninger mentions there is time for action and he is not seeking employment elsewhere, but he has no illusions that he may win this battle. Koeninger is hoping at the very least, that academic freedom and tenure may be secured for other professors if it is not secured for him. Koeninger is asking Abernathy and his committee to go ahead of the matter and determine what the Texas Association of College Teachers are willing or not willing to do.

Koeninger mentions this is the first case the Texas Association of College Teachers has dealt with concerning academic freedom and tenure since it became part of their jurisdiction, and Koeninger believes the association should not allow this matter to pass by default or inaction.