The Port Huron and Sharon
Statements
The Port Huron Statement
(1962)
The Sharon Statement
(1960)
Written by Tom Hayden and other members of
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), an
organization funded by the League for
Industrial Democracy and a descendant of the
Intercollegiate Socialist Society (1905).
Written by M. Stanton Evans and other
members of Young American for Freedom
(YAF), an organization supported by William F.
Buckley, Jr., publisher of The National Review.
Concerned with the threats of racism, poverty,
nuclear war, and apathy.
Concerned with the threat of communism and
government encroachments on individual
freedom and property.
Desire to find “democratic alternatives to the
present” and fulfill the “conception of man
attaining determining influence over his
circumstances of life.”.
Desire to find “affirm certain eternal truths”
Optimistic belief in the ability of men to “meet
with increasing skill the complexities and
responsibilities of their situation.”
Optimistic belief in the market economy as
“compatible with the requirements of personal
freedom and constitutional government .. And
the most productive supplier of human needs.”