Finding aid to the Lawrence Berner vs. John Briggs Collection, 1940-2004 GLC 75

Finding aid written by Tim Wilson
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
info@sfpl.org
2021


Title: Lawrence Berner vs. John Briggs Collection
Date (inclusive): 1940-2004
Date (bulk): 1977-1982
Identifier/Call Number: GLC 75
Creator: Berner, Lawrence
source: Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe
Physical Description: 2 cartons, 2 document cases (3 Cubic Feet)
Contributing Institution: James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: 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.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Language of Material: Collection materials are in English with one item in Japanese.

Access

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

Publication Rights

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Lawrence Berner vs. John Briggs Collection (GLC 75), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Provenance

The collection was donated in four accessions (November 2011, May 2012, September 2012, and November 2021) by Bernard Niechlanski for the Estate of Rodger Brooks. Brooks was Lawrence Berner's life partner in the 1970s. When Berner moved to Japan, he left his papers in Brooks' care; Berner died of AIDS in 1995. The legal case files were transferred from Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe to Berner in 1982. In November 2021, Niechlanski donated one additional carton of case files from Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe; these files are located in Boxes 3 and 4 and follow the law firm's volume numbering, with documents numbered according to each volume's litigation docket sheet index.

Biographical Note

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.
John Briggs was a California politician who served in the State Assembly and in the Senate beginning in 1977. He sponsored Proposition 6 (also known as the Briggs Initiative) for the 1978 General Election. Adoption of Prop. 6 would make it possible to fire teachers based on homosexual acts or activities. The Briggs campaign singled out Berner as an example of a homosexual teacher from whom school children needed protection.
In 1979, after the Briggs Initiative failed, Berner brought suit against Briggs for defamation of character. The suit also named the California Defend Our Children Committee, National Broadcasting Co., K.N.B.C., Mrs. Lee Lee and Does I-XX. Lee Lee was a member of the Healdsburg School Board.
Berner was represented by Jerel McCrary of Gay Rights Advocates, and by Stephen V. Bomse and Michael L. Rugen of the San Francisco law firm Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe. The case was settled in Berner's favor in 1982. In 1984 Berner moved to Japan where he taught English. He learned he was HIV-positive in 1988, and was one of the first people to go public with his condition in Japan. Berner died due to AIDS complications on January 25, 1995 in Tokyo.

Scope and Contents

The collection includes the documents filed for the legal case Lawrence Berner vs. John Briggs, additional supporting material collected by Berner and his legal representatives, and audiotapes of Berner's speeches and interviews. The majority of the material consists of newspaper clippings that document the activities and remarks made by Briggs and Berner in the months leading up to the November 1978 California general election. Some additional materials concern Berner's life in Japan.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into four series: Series 1. Case Files; Series 2. Lawrence Berner Papers; Series 3. Newspaper Clippings; and Series 4. Audiovisual Materials.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Homophobia in employment -- California
Lesbians -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- California.
Gays -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- California.
Gay men -- California -- Political activity.
Gay teachers -- California.
Homosexuality and education -- California.
Gay liberation movement -- California -- San Francisco.
Berner, Lawrence
Briggs, John V.
Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe

 

Series 1 Case Files 1964-1982

Physical Description: 2.2 cubic feet

Arrangement

The Case Files are arranged into four sub-series: 1A. Chronological File; 1B. Alphabetical File; 1C. Exhibits; and, 1D. Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe case files. Sub-series 1D contains the case files from Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe that were donated in November 2021; these files are located in Boxes 3 and 4 and follow the law firm's volume numbering, with documents numbered according to each volume's litigation docket sheet index.
 

Sub-series 1A Chronological file 1978-1982

Physical Description: 33 folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

Scope and Contents

Contains originals and copies of the legal papers filed for the case. These include the original and amended complaint for damages and depositions by John Briggs, Lawrence Berner, Lee Lee and others. Some depositions are annotated.
box 1, folder 1

Correspondence 1978-1982

box 1, folder 2

Pleadings 1978-1979

box 1, folder 3

Complaint for damages (defamation of character) June 22, 1979

box 1, folder 4

Amended complaint November 14, 1979

box 1, folder 5

Summons on amended complaint November 30, 1979

box 1, folder 6

Deposition of Leona Ellen Lee August 22, 1980

box 1, folder 7

Deposition of Leona Ellen Lee [annotated] August 22, 1980

box 1, folder 8

Answers and objections of Plaintiff Lawrence Berner to first set of interragatories propounded by Defendant John Briggs September 26, 1980

box 1, folder 9

Deposition of Lawrence Berner September 26, 1980

box 1, folder 10

Deposition of John V. Briggs. Mr. Rugen copy [annotated] October 21, 1980

box 1, folder 11

Deposition of John V. Briggs; and Examination by Mr. Rugen October 21, 1980

box 1, folder 12

Plaintiff's further responses to Defendant Briggs' first set of interrogatories November 1980

General note

Includes May 29, 1980 Interrogatories.
box 1, folder 13

Deposition of Lawrence Berner February 4, 1981

box 1, folder 14

Deposition of Lawrence Berner. Michael L. Rugen copy. With notes. Includes photocopied newspaper articles February 4, 1981

box 1, folder 15

Deposition of Ernest van den Haag. Original with corrections in pencil July 30, 1981

box 1, folder 16

Deposition of Ernest van den Haag [annotated] July 30, 1981

box 1, folder 17

D.E. Smuckler's Summary of quotable articles as of... October 27, 1981

box 1, folder 18

Deposition of Penelope McMillan [original] December 18, 1981

box 1, folder 19

Deposition of Penelope McMillan [copy] December 18, 1981

box 1, folder 20

Deposition of John F. McGrew December 21, 1981

box 1, folder 21

Deposition of John F. McGrew [annotated] December 21, 1981

box 1, folder 22

Declaration of Michael L. Rugen in support of Plaintiff's motion to compel December 29, 1981

box 1, folder 23

Memorandum of points and authorities of Plaintiff Lawrence Berner to compel further answers to interrogatories and further responses to requests for admission by Defendant John Briggs December 29, 1981

box 1, folder 24

Notice of motion of Plaintiff Lawrence Berner to compel further answers to interrogatories and further responses to requests for admission by Defendants John Briggs December 29, 1981

box 1, folder 25

Notice of motion by Plaintiff to preclude testimony of Dr. Ernest van den Haag December 30, 1981

box 1, folder 26

Memorandum of points and authorities in support of Plaintiff's motion to exclude testimony of Dr. Ernest van den Haag December 30, 1981

box 1, folder 27

Declaration f Michael L. Rugen in support of Plaintiff's motion to exclude testimony of Dr. Ernest van den Haag December 30, 1981

box 1, folder 28

Proposed order December 30, 1981

box 1, folder 29

Michael L. Rugen. Proof of service by delivery December 30, 1981

box 1, folder 30

Proposed order January 4, 1982

box 1, folder 31

Further answers to interrogatories March 31, 1982

box 1, folder 32

Deposition of Arnold C. Forde [original and copy] April 30, 1982

box 1, folder 33

Final accounting. Finances including David Kessler payment and Lawrence Berner settlement September 1 and 9, 1982

 

Sub-series 1B Alphabetical file 1973-1982

Physical Description: 18 folders

Scope and Contents

These majority of these files contain copies of newspaper articles arranged by the name of the reporters. Files may include memoranda about the strength of the article for use in the case, or notes on conversations with the reporters. The chronology of events and the campaign literature folders are of particular interest. The files on Kessler and van den Haag contain photocopies and reprints of scholarly articles on the subjects of homosexuality, teaching, and children.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically.
box 1, folder 34

Barnett, Catherine. Exhibits 25, 26a, 49 1978

box 1, folder 35

Briggs' finances 1978-1980

box 1, folder 36

Campaign literature "No on 6" 1978

box 1, folder 37

Campaign literature "Vote Yes on Prop. 6" 1978

box 1, folder 38

[Case notes on depositions (Lee Lee, Briggs, Berner, van den Haag), and items on emotional distress and libel law] [1981-1982?]

box 1, folder 39

Chronological listing of events 1977-1978

box 1, folder 40

Circulation information 1981

box 1, folder 41

Healdsburg School District. Records pertaining to Lawrence Berner 1973-1980

box 1, folder 42

Kessler, David R. Articles and curriculum vitae 1982

General note

Includes articles written by Kessler and collected by him regarding gays and lesbians in the medical profession and the article "Relating to Children: Gays as Role Models" by Dorothy I. Riddle ( Journal of Social Issues , 1978).
box 1, folder 43

McManus, Doyle. Exhibits 37 and 42 1978

box 1, folder 44

McMillan, Penelope. Notes by Smuckler, and Exhibit 2 1978, 1980

box 1, folder 45

Olson, Karl 1978, 1981

box 1, folder 46

Roberts, Jerry. Interoffice memo from D. Smuckler to C. Freibrug (Octo. 16, 1982), and Exhibit 24 1978, 1981

box 1, folder 47

Shilts, Randy. Interoffice memo and Exhibit 39 1978, 1981

box 1, folder 48

Stuckey, Michael. Exhibits 22, 44, 45, 47, 52, and 55 1978

box 1, folder 49

Swartz, Susan. Interoffice memo and exhibits 4A, 40, and 51 1978, 1981

box 1, folder 50

Todd, John. [Notes of telephone conversation] undated

box 1, folder 51

van den Haag, Ernest 1981

General note

Includes correspondence, articles by van den Haag, and notes on possible approaches to questioning.
 

Sub-series 1C Exhibits 1964-1982

Physical Description: 5 folders

Scope and Contents

The majority of the exhibits files contain copies of newspaper articles published during the campaign. The Kessler file contains photocopies and reprints of scholarly articles on the subjects of homosexuality, teaching, and children.

Arrangement

Arranged in original order.
box 1, folder 52

List of exhibits with notes on relevance and admissibility undated

box 1, folder 53

Exhibit A [David R. Kessler, M.D.] 1981-1982

box 1, folder 54

Exhibit B 1964-1981

General note

Contains: State of Oregon, Department of Human Resources "Final Report of the Task Force on Sexual Preference" (December 1, 1978). Photocopied portions from the following books: Pedophilia and Exhibitionism; a Handbook by J.W. M ohr, R.E. Turner, M.B. Jerry (University of Toronto Press, 1964); Adult Sexual Interest in Children edited by Mark Cook (London: Academic Press, 1981); Hidden Victims: the Sexual Abuse of Children by Robert L. Geiser (Boston: Beacon Press, 1979). Photocopies of several articles on adult and adolescent sexuality.
box 2, folder 1

Exhibit C undated

box 2, folder 2

Photocopies of exhibits 1978-1979

 

Sub-series 1D Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe "1-P-40-3. Gay Rights Advocates. Berner vs. Briggs" case files 1978-1982

Physical Description: 100 folders

General

The folder titled "Correspondence, Research notes, Newspaper Clippings" contained no newspaper clippings. And Litigation Docket Sheet item number 49 "Exhibits to Plaintiff's first requests for admissions" was empty when received from the donor in November 2021. It is not clear if the missing newspaper clippings and exhibits were part of the previous donation of material. Litigation Docket Sheet index numbers 73 and 74 appear twice and for different documents.
box 3, folder 1

"Correspondence, Research notes, Newspaper clippings" [folder contained no newspaper clippings] 1978-1979

box 3, folder 2

[Vol.] 1A. Correspondence (in reverse chronological order) 1982

box 3, folders 3-4

Vol. 1. Correspondence (in reverse chronological order) 1979-1981

 

Vol. 1. Litigation Docket Sheet index numbers 1-32 1979-1980

box 3, folder 5

1. Complaint for damages (Defamation of character) July 31, 1979

box 3, folder 5

2. Amended complaint and summonses November 15, 1979

box 3, folder 5

3. Answer of California Defend Our Children to Amended complaint March 6, 1980

box 3, folder 5

4. Answer of Defendant Lee Lee to Amended complaint March 19, 1980

box 3, folder 5

5. Answer of John Briggs to Unverified amended complaint March 20, 1980

box 3, folder 5

6. At-Issue Memorandum April 23, 1980

box 3, folder 5

7. Defendant Lee Lee's Responsive memorandum that civil case is not at issue; Declaration of Mike H. Welty May 14, 1980

box 3, folder 5

8. Plaintiff's first request for production of documents May 15, 1980

box 3, folder 5

9. Notice of Trial setting conference May 19, 1980

box 3, folder 5

10. Notice of deposition of Lee Lee and Production of documents May 22, 1980

box 3, folder 5

11. Demand for damages statement May 21, 1980

box 3, folder 5

12. Notice of taking deposition(s) April 21, 1980

box 3, folder 5

13. Substitution of attorneys and Amended substitution of attorneys re Lee Lee June 5, 1980

box 3, folder 5

14. Interrogatories propounded by John Briggs May 30, 1980

box 3, folder 5

15. At-Issue memorandum July 25, 1980

box 3, folder 5

16. Response to first request for production of documents (John Briggs) August 13, 1980

box 3, folder 5

17. Notice of taking deposition of Lawrence Berner, and Amended notice of taking deposition(s) August 13, 1980

box 3, folder 6

18. Notice of trial setting conference August 18, 1980

box 3, folder 6

19. Answers and objections of Plaintiff Lawrence Berner to first set of interrogatories propounded by Defendant John Briggs September 26, 1980

box 3, folder 6

20. Notice of deposition of John Briggs October 9, 1980

box 3, folder 6

21. Notice of settlement conference and trial October 21, 1980

box 3, folder 6

22. Demand to exchange list of expert witnesses October 23, 1980

box 3, folder 6

23. John Briggs' Request for production of documents October 27, 1980

box 3, folder 6

24. Notice of motion for order requiring further responses to written interrogatories; Memorandum of points and authorities, and Declaration in support thereof October 27, 1980

box 3, folder 6

25. Subpoena duces tecum of Healdsburg School District October 27, 1980

box 3, folder 6

26. Substitution of attorneys for Lee Lee November 11, 1980

box 3, folder 6

27. Notice of motion to compel further production of documents; Memorandum of points and authorities, and Declaration of Michael L. Rugen in support thereof November 18, 1980

box 3, folder 6

28. Settlement conference statement of John Briggs December 1, 1980

box 3, folder 6

29. Notice of motion, and Motion for order to continue trial date, and Memorandum of points and authorities on behalf of Lee Lee December 3, 1980

box 3, folder 6

30. Plaintiff's settlement conference statement December 5, 1980

box 3, folder 6

31. Order re trial setting conference for February 18, 1981 December 17, 1980

box 3, folder 6

32. Plaintiff's further responses to Defendant Briggs' first set of interrogatories December 15, 1980

 

Vol. 2. Litigation Docket Sheet index numbers 33-53 1981

box 4, folder 1

33. Notice of taking deposition(s) of Lawrence Berner, and Production of documents January 1, 1981

box 4, folder 1

34. Memorandum that Civil Case is at Issue (Plaintiff) April 13, 1981

box 4, folder 1

35. Notice of trial setting conference April 30, 1981

box 4, folder 1

36. Demand to exchange list of expert witnesses July 1, 1981

box 4, folder 1

37. Subpoenas to various television stations (KBHK-TV, KPIX-TV, KGO-TV, KRON-TV, KTLA-TV, KABC-TV, KNBC-TV, KNXT-TV) July 2, 1981

box 4, folder 1

38. Notice of deposition of custodian of records of various television stations July 6, 1981

box 4, folder 1

39. Defendant Lee Lee's list of experts pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 2037 July 8, 1981

box 4, folder 1

40. Subpoenas to various radio stations (KFRC, KTIM, KJAZ) July 10, 1981

box 4, folder 1

41. Notice of depositions to custodian of records of various radio stations July 10, 1981

box 4, folder 1

42. Notice of depositions of representatives of California Defend Our Children Committee July 13, 1981

box 4, folder 1

43. Supplemental disclosure of expert witnesses July 14, 1981

box 4, folder 2

44. Designation of expert witnesses July 13, 1981

box 4, folder 2

45. Notice of settlement conference and trial date July 17, 1981

box 4, folder 2

46. Declaration of L. Lawrence Bernheim in support of Defendant Briggs' motion for a continuance July 17, 1981

box 4, folder 2

47. Plaintiff's first set of interrogatories to Defendant John Briggs and to Defendant Lee Lee July 17, 1981

box 4, folder 2

48. Plaintiff's first requests for admissions July 17, 1981

box 4, folder 2

49. Exhibits to Plaintiff's first requests for admission [empty] July 17, 1981

box 4, folder 2

50. Notice of motion for order continuing trial date; Memorandum of points and authorities and Declaration; Designation of expert witnesses (Briggs) July 13, 1981

box 4, folder 2

51. Declaration of L. Lawrence Bernheim in support of ex parte order shortening time for hearing and order August 3, 1981

box 4, folder 2

52. Notice of hearing re continuance of trial date July 5, 1981

box 4, folder 2

53. Order vacating trial date and resetting trial setting conference August 12, 1981

 

Vol. 3. Litigation Docket Sheet index numbers 54-74 1981-1982

box 4, folder 3

54. Defendant Briggs' Supplemental request for production of documents July 9, 1981

box 4, folder 3

55. Defendant Lee's responses to requests for admissions, and Answers to interrogatories August 11, 1981

box 4, folder 3

56. Defendant Briggs' responses to requests for admissions, and Answers to interrogatories September 11, 1981

box 4, folder 3

57. Notice of settlement conference and trial October 23, 1981

box 4, folder 3

58. Demand to exchange list of expert witnesses November 3, 1981

box 4, folder 3

59. Plaintiff's second requests for admissions, and Plaintiff's second set of interrogatories November 16, 1981

box 4, folder 3

60. Designation of expert witnesses (Briggs) November 30, 1981

box 4, folder 3

61. Lee Lee's list of experts pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2037 November 23, 1981

box 4, folder 3

62. Plaintiff's list of experts pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2037 November 24, 1981

box 4, folder 3

63. Request for production of documents (Plaintiff Berner) November 25, 1981

box 4, folder 3

64. Notice of deposition custodian of records (Sentinel, and Santa Rosa Press Democrat) November 25, 1981

box 4, folder 3

65. Notice of taking depositions and production of documents (Briggs) December 1, 1981

box 4, folder 3

66. Opposition to Notice of deposition (Briggs) December 1, 1981

box 4, folder 3

67. Lee Lee's Answers to interrogatories, and Responses to requests for admissions December 1, 1981

box 4, folder 4

68. Notice of deposition of Harold Threewit, Penelope McMillan, John McGrew, and Ivan Sharpe December 2, 1981

box 4, folder 4

69. Settlement conference statement of Plaintiff December 17, 1981

box 4, folder 4

70. Declaration of Stephanie Brady (KHJ-TV) December 15, 1981

box 4, folder 4

70A. Settlement conference statement of Defendant John Briggs December 16, 1981

box 4, folder 4

71. Notice of use of duplicates pursuant to evidence code section 1511 December 22, 1981

box 4, folder 4

72. Briggs' Response to requests for production of documents; Answers to Interrogatories; and Response to request for admission December 28, 1981

box 4, folder 4

73. Notice of trial date (May 3, 1982) March 5, 1982

box 4, folder 4

74. Order re discovery motions [document missing. See item 83 with same title and cal. date] March 18, 1982

 

Vol. 4. Litigation Docket Sheet index numbers 73-98 1981-1982

General

NOTE: Litigation Docket sheet index numbers 73 and 74 were repeated.
box 4, folder 5

73. Notice of request for attendance of Defendants and Notice to Bring books, documents and records; Notice of motion of Plaintiff to compel further answers to interrogatories, and further responses to request for admission by Defendant John Briggs, Memorandum of Points and Authorities and Declaration of M.L. Rugen December 30, 1981

box 4, folder 5

74. Notice of motion by Plaintiff to preclude testimony of Dr. Ernest Van Den Haag; Deposition of Ernest van den Haag (Exhibit A); Memorandum of Points and Authorities in support thereof, Declaration of M.L. Rugen and Proposed order December 30, 1981

box 4, folder 5

75. Supplemental designation of expert witnesses by Defendant John Briggs January 4, 1982

box 4, folder 5

76. Briggs' objection to appearance of expert witness at trial January 4, 1982

box 4, folder 5

77. Miscellaneous subpoenas re appearance to testify: Penelope McMillan (Los Angeles Times), John Todd, Karl Olson, Randy Shilts, Jerry Roberts, Marda Mitchell, Annette Wilson, Marie Pike, Mary Ann Seeny, Anita Carroll, Beverly Singer, Roger Brooks, and Harold Threewit January 7, 1982

box 4, folder 5

78. Briggs' Notice of motion for order continuing trial date; Memorandum of Points and Authorities and Declaration in support January 14, 1982

box 4, folder 5

79. Order re Motion of counsel for trial setting conference on March 3, 1982 at 4:15 pm Dept. 6 January 19, 1982

box 4, folder 5

80. Settlement agreement and General release by and between Lawrence Berner and Leona Lee March 12, 1982

box 4, folder 5

81. Request for dismissal as to Defendant Lee Lee March 30, 1982

box 4, folder 6

82. Briggs' Further answers to interrogatories March 31, 1982

box 4, folder 6

83. Order re discovery motions March 15, 1982

box 4, folder 6

84. Subpoenas duces tecum to: Butcher [and] Forde Advertising, Heritage Bank, Oscar Phanner, Phanner and Tate, and Bank of America April 14, 1982

box 4, folder 6

85. Briggs' Objection to Plaintiff's notice to appear and request for production of documents April 21, 1982

box 4, folder 6

86. Briggs' objections to subpoenas to Butcher and Forde Advertising, Heritage Bank, Oscar Phanner and Phanner and Tate, and Bank of America, and to Deposition of Butcher and Forde Advertising April 23, 1982

box 4, folder 6

87. Notice of deposition of Butcher and Forde Advertising April 26, 1982

box 4, folder 6

88. Notice to appear re John Briggs April 15, 1982

box 4, folder 6

89. Briggs' Application for order shortening time re Motion for protective order that deposition [of Butcher and Forde Advertising] not be taken and supporting documents April 28, 1982

box 4, folder 6

90. Plaintiff's Ex parte application for order authorizing deposition and memorandum in support thereof April 28, 1982

box 4, folder 6

91. Notice of motion for order continuing trial date; Memorandum of Points and Authorities and Declaration in support thereof (Briggs) May 3, 1982

box 4, folder 6

92. Order vacating trial date May 10, 1982

box 4, folder 6

93. At-Issue memorandum May 14, 1982

box 4, folder 6

94. Notice of taking deposition of David R. Kessler and Production of documents May 13, 1982

box 4, folder 6

95. Notice of settlement conference; trial June 4, 1982

box 4, folder 6

96. Notice of taking deposition(s) of Jerry Roberts and Randy Shilts July 22, 1982

box 4, folder 6

97. Acceptance of offer of judgment (Code of Civil Procedure section 998) August 24, 1982

box 4, folder 6

98. Final Judgment for Plaintiff September 2, 1982

 

Series 2 Lawrence Berner Papers 1940-1984

Physical Description: 18 folders

Scope and Contents

The Berner Papers include non-trial material that documents aspects of Berner's life. Of particular interest are his speeches, some of which are on notecards, and a folder of personal memorabilia. The memorabilia includes a copy of Berner's birth certificate, confirmation program, graduation programs, transcripts, Air Force honorary discharge certificate, and resumes. It also includes his remarks given on his 8th grade graduation and a charming story about his dog Blackie. Photographs of Berner in military uniform are also in this series. The series also includes letters of support, two scholarly articles about the Briggs Initiative and its effect on the gay rights movement, and a transcript of an interview with Berner after his lawsuit was settled.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
box 2, folder 3

Ballot measure, voter pamphlet November 1978

box 2, folder 4

"Defending Gay Rights: the Campaign Against the Briggs Amendment in California," ( Radical America , vol. 13 no.4) July-August 1979

box 2, folder 5

John Mehring's "Interview with Larry Berner upon announcement of the settlement of Berner v. Briggs" [1982]

box 2, folders 6-7

Letters of support 1978

box 2, folder 8

[Notes on meetings and activities] 1978-[1979?]

box 2, folder 9

Personal memorabilia and vital records 1940-1984

General note

Includes copy of birth certificate, church confirmation service program, eighth grade graduation speech, "My Dog: Blackie" paper, high school and college diplomas, college transcripts, United States Air Force commissioning ceremony materials and honorable discharge certificate, teaching credential certificates, November 1978 ballot stub, and resumes.
box 2, folder 10

Photographs 1964, 1969, undated

General note

Includes Air Force uniform portrait, driver's license.
box 2, folder 11

Photographs. Contact sheet. Photography by Cookie (Oakland, California) 1978

box 2, folder 12

"Sexuality and the State: the Defeat of the Briggs Initiative and Beyond, " Interview with Amber Hollibaugh ( Socialist Review #45, vol.9, no. 3) May-June 1979

 

Speeches 1978-1979

Physical Description: 8 folders
box 2, folder 13

[Draft remarks regarding No on Proposition 6 campaign] [1978]

box 2, folder 14

National Education Association Conference (17th: Washington, D.C.) includes draft remarks 1979

General note

Includes Report of the 17th Annual Conference on Human and Civil Rights in Education. Rise of the New Right: Human and Civil Rights in Jeopardy . Session: "Among Constitutional Rights: Whatever Happened to Privacy?" Berner was a panelist.
box 2, folders 15-19

[Remarks on notecards] [1978]

Physical Description: 5 folders
box 2, folder 20

"You attack me because I am a role model..." [1978?]

 

Series 3 Newspaper Clippings 1977-1982

Physical Description: 15 folders

Scope and Contents

Contains newspaper and magazine articles on gay political issues in Miami and California. Subjects include: John Briggs, Proposition 6 (also known as the Briggs Initiative), Anita Bryant, Lawrence Berner, Lee Lee, the California election of November 1978, the Healdsburg School District, and the Berner vs. Briggs lawsuit and trial. Some of these articles were used as exhibits in the lawsuit.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.
box 2, folder 21

1977

box 2, folder 22

January-March 1978

box 2, folder 23

April 1978

box 2, folder 24

May 1978

box 2, folder 25

June 1978

box 2, folder 26

July-August 1978

box 2, folder 27

September 1978

box 2, folder 28

October 1978

box 2, folder 29

November 1978

box 2, folder 30

December 1978

box 2, folder 31

1979

box 2, folder 32

1980

box 2, folder 33

1981

box 2, folder 34

1982

box 2, folder 35

undated

 

Series 4 Audiovisual Materials 1978-2004, undated

Physical Description: 10 items (8 audiocassette tapes, 1 DVD-ROM, 1 VHS)

Scope and Contents

The audiorecordings include an oral history with Berner that begins with his childhood and includes his experiences in the Air Force and later. Several audiotapes address the Briggs Initiative and the reactions of the Healdsburg community both for and against Proposition 6. "Memories of Rodger" is a video history of Rodger Brooks. It contains Rodger's recollections of life with Berner in 1977-1978 during the Briggs campaign; it also describes his life from childhood through his years as an HIV/AIDS survivor. Two tapes contain Berner's musings on life in Japan and his observations of cultural differences between the United States and Japan.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically.
box 2

Briggs: "Scout Trip," "Heterosexual Molestation," [1978]

Physical Description: 1 audiotape

General note

Includes clips of two statements made by John Briggs: the first is about not wanting Berner on a scout trip; the other is that "majority of child molestion cases are heterosexual teachers."
box 2

Briggs Initiative, Briggs Debate, Fruit Punch-KPFA, 1978

Physical Description: 1 audiotape
box 2

Healdsburg Interviews, Part II [1978]

Larry Berner and Healdsburg community Interviews: [1978]

Physical Description: 1 audiotape
Language of Material: English .

General note

Larry Berner and Healdsburg community residents discuss their views on Proposition 6, gay and lesbian teachers, and the rights of both teachers and parents.
box 2

[Japan 1] "Larry," [1984?]

Physical Description: 1 audiotape

General note

Side A contains Japanese-English vocabulary. Side B contains a stream-of-consciousness journal of Berner's experience in Japan with friend Hiroshi.
box 2

[Japan 2] "Love, Larry," October 18, 1984

Physical Description: 1 audiotape

General note

Side A contains music. Side B contains Berner's journal of his life in Japan with friend Hiroshi.
box 2

[Japanese television program on AIDS with Berner on panel], 1994

Physical Description: 1 videotape
Language of Material: In Japanese.
box 2

Larry Berner Discussing Briggs Initiative undated

Larry Berner Discussing Briggs Initiative

Physical Description: 1 audiotape
Language of Material: English .
box 2

"Memories of Rodger" [videotaped history of Rodger Brooks], [2004]

Physical Description: 1 item DVD-ROM
box 2

[Oral history] Larry Berner (sessions 1-4) undated

Larry Berner's Oral History: undated

Physical Description: 2 audiotapes
Language of Material: English .