History ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-29-2025

Abstract

In 1974 the University of Arizona renovated their football stadium through a bonds bill passed by the state legislature. The renovations allowed the university to increase the stadium’s capacity by 17,000 seats. While in the state house, an Arizona Congressman attached a rider to the bonds bill banning the university’s medical school from performing abortions in most circumstances, effectively barring the university from teaching the medical students how to perform the procedure as well. This thesis seeks to position the University of Arizona football stadium renovations and abortion ban within the larger histories of American higher education and Arizona. This provides important context that shows how, following World War II, the University of Arizona’s growth into a major research university reflected changing national attitudes towards higher education changed and how this impacted the city of Tucson and state of Arizona.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Karen J. Leong

Second Committee Member

Durwood Ball

Third Committee Member

Katherine Sarah Massoth

Language

English

Keywords

educational history, Arizona history, University of Arizona, pro-life movement, Postwar Era, American History

Document Type

Thesis

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