The collection documents the legal suit brought by homosexual school teacher Lawrence Berner against California State Senator John Briggs for defamation of character. Briggs had sponsored Proposition 6 which would have prevented gay and lesbian teachers from teaching in California. The Briggs campaign singled out Berner. The case settled in Berner's favor in 1982.

Lawrence Berner was born on July 27, 1940 in Elm Springs, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1962 with a B.A in Psychology. From 1962-1966 he served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1966. He attended Sonoma State College from 1970-1972 and studied for an elementary education credential. From January 1972-August 1982 he was a second grade school teacher for the Healdsburg Union Elementary Schools in Healdsburg, California.

2 cartons, 2 document cases (3 Cubic Feet)

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The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours.