Draft
Resistance, 1940
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- On October 16th, 1940, Howard Schomer, a minister of the United Church of Christ,
reported to his draft board in Oak Park, Illinois, to declare his conscientious objection. The draft
automatically exempted ministers and divinity students from service upon registration but did not
give them the opportunity to enlist as conscientious objectors. Schomer was arrested by U.S.
Marshals one month later for his protest action. The Illinois Selective Service Board changed
their policies soon after, however, and Schomer enlisted as a conscientious objector. He
performed alternative service through the American Friends Service Committee.
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