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Classification 157: Extremist Matters; Civil Unrest

This classification was established in 1959 to investigate concerning civil disorders and demonstrations. The Bureau has responsibility for investigating violations of criminal law connected with civil disturbances, for assisting the Secret Service upon request, for providing information concerning actual or threatened civil disorders which require the presence of federal troops, and for providing information regarding demonstrations which require the Federal Government to provide health and safety measures.

Initially, this classification was titled "Racial Matters/Bombing Matters" and focused on Ku Klux Klan investigations. Beginning in the early 1960s, investigations of bombings and bomb threats against racial, religious, and educational institutions were also conducted under this classification. Also during this period, the Bureau conducted investigations of the American Nazi Party; anti-Semitic and other hate groups; and attacks on civil rights workers.

With the onset of urban riots in the mid and late 1960s, the Bureau investigated such matters as interstate travel to incite riot and the roles of the Black Panther and Black Nationalists movements. In 1971, the title of the classification changed to "Extremist Matters/Civil Unrest" and investigations of the American Indian Movement and the Symbionese Liberation Army were opened. As a result of guidelines issued by the Attorney General in 1976, activity in this classification decreased dramatically.

Investigations focus on individual members as well as the groups themselves. Full field investigations were prepared for both national and local offices of organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. Usually only preliminary investigations were prepared for individuals. Cases on major civil rights groups such as the Congress on Racial Equality were frequently opened to determine the degree of subversive influence even though the general purpose of the organization was not in question.

NARA online catalog descriptions of holdings for Classification 157: Extremist Matters; Civil Unrest

• Headquarters Files
• Field Office Files

Headquarters Files

Field Office Files

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