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Jewish Students and Professors Expelled by Vichy Cheered when They Return to Sorbonne

November 7, 1944
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Jewish students, expelled from the Sorbonne during the German occupation, were greeted with cheers today when they returned to their classes at the opening of the new semester. A rousing welcome was given Jewish professors who returned to their posts at the university.

Jewish students are being re-admitted to all colleges throughout France. The majority of them fought in the ranks of the French maquis during the occupation, and many of them were imprisoned in camps by the Gestapo. In most cases they are penniless.

Among the Jewish professors who returned to chairs at the Sorbonne are Gustave Cohen, professor of literature, and Louis Halphen, professor of history. Some Jewish professors are still inactive – although they are being paid – because their posts were filled during their exile. This is a delicate matter requiring adjustment. It is expected that the problem will be solved when the student body increases with the return of soldiers and war prisoners, necessitating an expansion of the teaching staff.

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