Photo // South Bend Tribune
By: Arin Howe
Staff-Writer
Paul Mishler passed away on Aug. 25 after a long battle with cancer. He worked as an associate professor emeritus of labor studies here at IU South Bend and was seen by many as an amazing professor and scholar, always respecting the knowledge and experiences of those around him.
Originally from New York and raised by radical parents, Dr. Mishler had a strong belief in socialism and felt that a better world is based on needs rather than greed.
“Paul was a dedicated organizer for social justice his entire life,” his obituary read. “He was deeply involved in the labor and anti-racist movements, as well as peace movements and in solidarity with people struggling for justice around the world.”
Dr. Mishler researched left-wing social movements and how radicals place these beliefs in their children, which he talked about in his 1999 book, “Raising Reds – The Young Pioneers, Radical Summer Camps, and Communist Political Culture in the United States”. His most recent work, a collection of essays by Philip S. Foner which Dr. Mishler co-edited, was published this year.
As a proud Jewish man, Dr. Mishler took a strong stance against the occupation of Palestine and planned on continuing the fight in a protest at Notre Dame that occurred just a few days after his death. Even though he struggled to walk, he stated, “I want to be there for the students and for Palestine,” according to a memorial post on Instagram @occupationfreend.
Paul will live on through his children, grandchildren and future activists influenced by his message, as well as Gerrie Casey, his wife who is also a professor at IU South Bend.