Shlakman v. Board of Higher Education

The above-named petitioners, employees of respondent Board of Higher Education, appeared before the Internal Security Subcommittee of the United States Senate and when questioned concerning their then or prior membership in the Communist party refused to answer certain questions, asserting the privilege against self incrimination afforded them under the Fifth Amendment of the Federal Constitution. Thereafter, in the latter part of 1952, respondent, proceeding pursuant to section 903 of the New York City Charter terminated their employment. Petitioners in November, 1952 instituted this article…