The Sears Rebellion

In June, 1873, Julia A. Sears was offered a $1500 salary to return as Assistant Principal of the Mankato State Normal School. Sears was not pleased with this, but agreed to return. On July 22, Sears' salary was set at $1200, and the position was to go to Cornelius Hyde if she didn't return. Sears complained to the Chairman of the Board, George M. Gage, that she had been unjustly treated. After Hyde was hired, Sears proposed to return for a half year. George W. Austin, the Resident Director, telegraphed her to come.

Both Sears and Hyde arrived for the position on September 1. After one week, it was decided that Hyde should become Assistant Principal. On September 9th, 41 students walked out. They were given three days to return or they would face expulsion. In the end, 32 were expelled. Seventy Mankato residents, including well known businessmen and professionals, signed a petition asking the board to reinstate Sears as Assistant Principal. Four months later, their decision hadn't changed. Those expelled students that remained in Mankato were celebrated as local heroes.