Summary June 15, 1950: Perversion Cases - Department of Commerce

Background: In response to the U.S. Senate Hoey Committee, which investigated and denounced LGBTQ+ federal government employees, The Department of Commerce investigated its employees. This memo details the department's findings, listing the employees who were confronted with charges of homosexuality and forced to resign.

To date, the Department of Commerce has received from the Civil Service Commission the names of 22 alleged perverts in the Department. Of this number: l was found not to be an employee; 16 have been or are being separated; 4 cases are pending decision; and in l case the evidence developed in the Department’s investigation did not substantiate the charge.

Since the beginning of the calendar year, 6 cases also were developed independently by the Department. Of this group, two employees have been separated and four cases are pending.

Upon receipt of initial derogatory information in these matters the Department’s Investigations Officer proceeds without delay to conduct a thorough investigation of the individual concerned. This is followed by a personal hearing. If the investigation and hearing indicate that the employee is in fact a pervert, he is dropped from the rolls promptly.

The individual cases, identified by symbols, are as follows:

Case A: Information received indicating employee was a homosexualist. After a thorough investigation by the Department of Commerce and a personal hearing, the allegation was confirmed and his resignation was demanded. Employee resigned 4 - 21- 50.

Case B: Information received indicating employee was a homosexualist. After a thorough investigation by the Department of Commerce and a personal hearing, the allegation was confirmed and his resignation was demanded. Employee resigned April 28, 1950.

Case C: Information received that employee had been arrested on charges of perversion. After a thorough investigation by the Department of Commerce and a personal hearing, the allegation was confirmed, whereupon immediate removal charges were preferred against the employee. He will be separated on July 6, 1950.

Case D: Arrested on charges of homosexuality. Subject employed in Government service for 3l years. After a thorough investigation by the Department of Commerce and a personal hearing, the allegation was confirmed, whereupon steps were taken to effect the employee's separation by retirement, to be effective July 12, 1950.

Case E: Information received that employee was a homosexualist. After a thorough investigation by the Department of Commerce and a personal hearing, the allegation was confirmed and his resignation was demanded. Employee resigned effective May 12, 1950.

Source: Commerce Department’s response to the Hoey committtee, National Archives Record Group 46, the Records of the U.S. Senate.