The 2025-26 school year marks The Forum’s 60th year of publication, and we’re commemorating in style. As any good newspaper would, we want to celebrate with what we do best: journalism. Every month, we’ll be rewinding the clock and giving you the highlights of six decades of our coverage. We ask only that you sit back, relax, and enjoy a look back at Latin through the years.
In September 1969, 56 years ago – Latin moved to 59 W. North Blvd: “When the doors of the new building open on September 9, Latin School students will inaugurate a building designed to be a model of fine educational facilities for years to come.”
In September 1970, 55 years ago – jeans were banned at Latin: “The new school year has hardly begun and already we have seen some discouraging action taken by our embattled administration. Under pressure by the Parents’ Council, the administration has given in on the issue of dress code. From here on in, blue jeans will not be an acceptable mode of dress (at least, not accepted in the eyes of the Parents’ Council) around Latin school.”
In September 1974, 51 years ago – Latin’s age-old AC problem was already getting mentioned: “the great temperature changes this building goes through” are cited by administrators as a reason for changes to the dress code.
In September 1976, 49 years ago – the athlete Phys Ed credit issue sparked contention: “The P.E. department, the side in the drivers’ seat, usually dismisses the issue with a simple ‘no.’ They hold to the idea that gym and extra-curricular school sports are totally unrelated and that a student should easily be able to make room for both. The students, on the other hand, argue that they cannot find time for both.”
In September 1977, 48 years ago – smoking was officially banned in school: “In the past few years, smoking has been allowed (with parental permission) in certain areas in the school. This year, smoking has been banned in the school. This ban has caused an uproar.”
In September 1982, 43 years ago – the first Romans Run: “This run, a 5-kilometer/3.1 mile run through Lincoln Park, aims to bring together all segments of the Latin Community. Students, faculty, parents, alumni, family, and friends are all encouraged to participate.”
In September 1987, 38 years ago – Latin’s schedule was even more chaotic than an eight-day rotation: “The schedule consists of 19 twenty-minute mods beginning at 7:45 a.m. and ending either at 2:46 on Tuesdays or 3:30 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Like last year, there are four-minute breaks between classes.”
