1937 labor confrontation brought Lansing union dispute into East Lansing

A labor dispute in Lansing spilled into East Lansing on June 7, 1937, when union members traveled east during a citywide labor holiday protesting arrests of union leaders. The workers blocked major intersections and persuaded downtown merchants to close their stores, according to later accounts.

Michigan State College students viewed the shutdowns as a threat to their access to local businesses. The confrontation became known as the Battle of East Lansing, a largely forgotten episode involving students and Lansing labor activists.

Read the full story at East Lansing Info.