Jim Noonan collection of press coverage on the Reagan Presidential visit to CSUF and student response

Jim Noonan, a CSU Fullerton student on the GI Bill, became involved in campus protests during spring 1970, motivated by opposition to civil rights injustices and the Vietnam War.

When Ronald Reagan visited campus in February 1970, heckling disrupted his speech, leading to disciplinary hearings that sparked broader student protests. Noonan participated in disrupting the March 3, 1970 hearing and was present during confrontations with police, where he disarmed an officer. He was later arrested for distributing copies of "People vs Ronald Reagan" and served 30 days in solitary confinement at Orange County Men's Jail.

Noonan graduated from CSUF in 1972 and later worked for the Veterans Administration. When the VA planned to assign him to a new federal veterans program at CSUF, the university blocked his involvement, forcing the program's relocation to Fullerton College.

Noonan's activism stemmed partly from his experience as a conscientious objector who fought for army reclassification, ultimately receiving an honorable discharge while forfeiting future veterans' benefits. Today, he maintains his 1960s values, advocating for peace and pursuing environmental initiatives like recycling and organic gardening.

A more detailed account written by Noonan is included in the box with newspaper clippings and other memorabilia.