The concept of a Liberal Arts Forum was proposed to the Student Legislature in September 1958 by then-Elon student James P. Elder Jr. Despite the legislature's unanimous approval of Elder's proposal, however, the funds allotted to the Forum were initially somewhat controversial.
A resolution proposing the establishment of a Liberal Arts Forum at Elon. Introduced by then-Elon student James P. Elder Jr. on September 24th, 1958.
After the Forum was officially established its proposed funding was the subject of hot debate in the Student Legislature. These heated debates meant that, despite the Forum's founding in October of 1958, it was several months until the new organization received the funding it needed to succeed.
An article in the Elon student newspaper, the Maroon and Gold, discussing the debate surrounding the establishment of the Liberal Arts Forum.
An article attacking the establishment of the Liberal Arts Forum. Published in The Maroon and Gold under the title "Candid Comments."
An article authored by leading Liberal Arts Forum proponent James P. Elder Jr. to defend the newly established forum. Published in The Maroon and Gold on January 14th, 1959 under the title “Candid Comments.”
The Constitution of the Liberal Arts Forum.
Fortunately, the Liberal Arts Forum was able to survive the controversy and set about organizing quality lectures and events for the Elon student body. At the same time, the organization's structure and aims were laid out in an official constitution.
