Civil rights and academic freedom at the University of Oklahoma from 1890-1968 are examined by George Lynn Cross, president of Oklahoma University in the critical period from 1943 to 1968. The struggle for human rights is examined from the perspectives of teachers, students, administrators, and the community. Chapters include: "The Pioneer President"; "The Reorganization of 1908"; "Reorganization of the Academic Structure"; "The Reorganization of 1911"; "Brooks Strengthens the Presidency--Genesis of the American Association of University Professors"; "Bizzell's Beginnings, Triumphs, and Troubles"; "A Crisis Resolved"; "More of Murray"; "The DDMC Episode"; "A Year of Crisis: 1933"; "Better Days in Prospect?"; "Political Repercussions"; "The 'Red Hunt'--Genesis of the Oklahoms State System of Higher Education"; "Brandt Succeeds Bizzell"; "The Shockley-Walcutt Case"; "Civil Rights Issues"; "Major Progress: Desegregation--Faculty Civil Rights"; "A Governor's Dilemma--Lloyd Noble Leaves the Board of Regents"; "Another Red Hunt Begins...Ends"; "The Loyalty Oath"; "The Aftermath of the Loyalty Investigation"; "The Richard Blanc Case"; "Oath Law Ruled Illegal--Censure by the AAUP"; "Censure Removed"; "On Student's Rights"; and "Brief Reflections." In conclusion four criticisms of academic freedom are discussed: (1) some professors misuse or abuse academic freedom; (2) when tenure is achieved, some professors tend to diminish productivity and innovative effort; (3) present policies do not adequately protect the aggressively superior professor; and (4) it is inequitable for members of the academic profession to have elaborate job protection not enjoyed by workers in other professions. It is concluded that the weaknesses of some of the policies of academic freedom do not diminish the need for such freedom. It is suggested that all persons involved strive to achieve a level of fairness so that academic freedom may be protected. Appendices and an index are included. (LC)