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Letter to President Kennedy About Rights

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Analyzing Documents

This letter from Dr. Franklin Kameny was written to President John Kennedy in 1961. Read the letter carefully, then answer the questions that will help you analyze the document.

 

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Keep in mind that Kameny used words that were common at the time he wrote this (now considered outdated and inappropriate), such as “homosexual” and “Negro,” rather than terms that are used today like “gay” and “Black.” Nevertheless, he is making important points about civil rights for both groups.

public-domain
To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Letter to President Kennedy About Rights”