Matthew Stark facts for kids

Matthew Stark (born January 27, 1930 – died April 10, 2018) was an important activist who worked for civil rights in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Lee County, Florida. He was born into a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York.

Matthew Stark went to Ohio University and earned degrees in English and education in 1951. Later, he earned a master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1959. He then received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Counseling in 1963 from Case Western Reserve University. He worked as a dean at Moorhead State University and as a professor at the University of Minnesota.

Working for Civil Liberties

Matthew Stark became a key leader at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota, which was then called the Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (MCLU). The ACLU is an organization that works to protect the rights and freedoms of all people in the United States.

Stark was elected president of the MCLU in 1966. He strongly believed that government and religious groups should be kept separate, especially in schools. He convinced the MCLU board to adopt this view in 1967. From then on, he was a main leader in Minnesota for keeping church and state separate.

Challenges and Controversies

Stark often spoke out about his beliefs. He thought that some organized religions tried to limit people's freedoms. He was known for holding press conferences on Sundays to get the most attention for the MCLU's causes.

During his time, some members of the MCLU disagreed with Stark's approach. They felt that the organization became too involved in politics, like speaking out against the Vietnam War or supporting the impeachment of Richard Nixon. They also felt that Stark changed the MCLU's focus too much.

The ACLU also faced challenges because of national cases it took on. For example, it defended the right of a Nazi group to march in Skokie, Illinois, in 1977, and a Ku Klux Klan rally in Tupelo, Mississippi. These cases were very controversial, but Stark believed they were important for showing that the ACLU defends everyone's rights, even for groups that are unpopular. He said these cases "cleansed the ACLU," meaning they made its mission clearer.

In 1985, some activists tried to challenge Stark's leadership, saying he was too controlling. However, they were not successful. Some board members defended him, saying he was often outvoted on important issues. Stark eventually stepped down from the MCLU board in 1995.

Awards and Recognition

Matthew Stark received many honors for his work.

• The University of Minnesota created the Dr. Matthew Stark Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Faculty and Student Award. This award recognizes people who have made important contributions to civil rights and freedoms.
• In 1987, the Hennepin County Bar Association gave him its Advancement of Justice award.
• In 2008, Stark was the grand marshal for the Twin Cities Gay Pride Festival and Parade. He also received the Pride award from Twin Cities Pride.
• In 2011, he won the medal of merit from the Ohio University Alumni Association.

Personal Life

Matthew Stark married Terri Stark in 1985. They did not have children. He spent his winters in Florida, where he continued to be active with the ACLU and a local social group for gay people. He also served on the ACLU's national advisory council. Matthew Stark passed away on April 10, 2018, at the age of 88.