Interview with Louie B. Nunn, December 2, 1980

Interview Summary

On May 5, 1970, when the University of Kentucky ROTC building was burned, Louie B. Nunn was serving as Kentucky?s state governor. In this interview, he discusses his perceptions of the general socio-political climate at the time of the University of Kentucky student protests, how important events such as the invasion of Cambodia and the Kent State killings impacted this climate, and his general thoughts on the Vietnam War and anti-war activists. Nunn also reviews his actions as governor on the day of the burning, and, in particular, his decision to enforce a 7:00 PM curfew on the University of Kentucky?s campus and bring in the National Guard after activists failed to heed then University of Kentucky President Otis Singletary?s 5:00 PM curfew mandate.

Interview Keyword

Campus violence College students--Political activity. Protest movements. Universities and colleges--Administration. Universities and colleges--Safety measures. Universities and colleges--Security measures

Interview LC Subject

Nunn, Louie B., 1924-2004 Nunn, Louie B., 1924-2004--Interviews Student movements Student protesters University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.