In reaction to the 1977 Survey of the American Professoriate by Everett C. Ladd and Seymour Martin Lipset, Serge Lang began a file of letters expressing concern over and opposition to the study. The controversy began when Lang wrote a letter to the researchers expressing his opposition, with copies to members of the academic community, professional association officers, and related press. An exchange of letters and articles ensued, with the last letter mailed in November 1979. A variety of views is expressed in the file's contents. The author outlines the controversy's chronology, beginning with a copy of the 1977 survey. In a preface, Ladd and Lipset review their series of surveys, outline the 1977 survey's methodology, and address specific criticisms of the 1977 study: sampling, nonresponse, question design, and questionnaire development. A list of principal participants in the file is included. (MSE)