Willis M. Rivinus Papers on the Sally Frank case 1979-1991

Summary

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Overview

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Abstract

The Willis M. Rivinus Papers contain research materials gathered by Rivinus documenting the legal case of Sally Frank v. Ivy Club, University Cottage Club, Tiger Inn and Trustees of Princeton University formally begun in February 1979 and continuing to the present. These papers contain correspondence, draft manuscripts of and notes for an article on the Frank Case, copies of legal briefs and newspaper clippings relating to discrimination in general and the Frank case in particular.

Description

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Description

Consists of research materials gathered by Rivinus (Princeton Class of 1950) documenting the legal case of ’Sally Frank v. Ivy Club, University Cottage Club, Tiger Inn and the Trustees of Princeton University’, which was formally begun in 1979 and continues to the present (1991). Included in the Papers are correspondence (1986-1988), a manuscript and notes (1987-1989) for an article Rivinus authored about the case, legal briefs (1979-1989) of the case, and related newspaper clippings (1985-1991).

Collection Creator History

Willis M. Rivinus, a member of the Princeton University Class of 1950 gathered these materials while working as a management consultant raising funds for several Prospect Street eating clubs, and as an interested Princeton University alumnus.

In February 1979 Sally Frank filed a sex discrimination complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights on the grounds that as a woman she was denied membership in the Ivy, Tiger Inn and University Cottage eating clubs. Since that time, the Frank case has acted as a catalyst for discussion by supporters and detractors alike concerning discrimination; the definition of private versus public spaces; the relationship of private organizations within a University setting; and the right of freedom of association. The issues, positions and emotions are complex, as is evident by the fact that the legal battles continue to the present.

Collection History

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Acquisition

Willis M. Rivinus donated his research material to the University Archives in July 1991.

Access and Use

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Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research use.

Use Restrictions

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the University Archivist. Copyright is held by the Trustees of Princeton University.

Preferred Citation

Willis M. Rivinus Papers on the Sally Frank case; 1979-1991, Princeton University Archives, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

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Topics

• Princeton University

Subject Terms

• Frank, Sally, 1959-
• Freedom of association
• Ivy Club
• Law and legislation
• New Jersey
• Princeton
• Princeton University. Trustees
• Sex discrimination against women
• Trials (sex discrimination)
• Trials, litigation, etc

Genre Terms

• Clippings
• Correspondence
• Legal briefs

Related Material

Additional materials relating to the Sally Frank case may be found in the following unrestricted collections of the University Archives: The Daily Princetonian; the “Eating Clubs” and “CoEducation” Subject Boxes, as well as the publication, Women Reflect on Princeton.

Contents and Arrangement

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Series 1: Correspondence, 1986-1988

Series 2: Manuscript, Notes, 1987-1989

Series 3: Legal Briefs, 1979-1989

Series 4: Newspaper Clippings, 1985-1991