HUAC
Approximately 20 Delegates - Single Delegate
Welcome to the House Un-American Activities Committee! It is 1955, the height of Cold War paranoia, and the U.S. government is gripped by fear of Communist infiltration. As members of HUAC, delegates will investigate alleged subversive activity within America’s most powerful institutions whether it be Hollywood studios or federal agencies. You will hold hearings, issue subpoenas, and confront witnesses under the blinding lights of public scrutiny, balancing national security with civil liberty. Will you expose enemies of the state or destroy innocent lives in pursuit of political gain? With the press, the President, and the American people watching, the Committee’s decisions will shape public faith in democracy itself. Navigate personal ambition, partisanship, and propaganda in a committee where even your allies may have something to hide, and where one false move could end your career.
DEAR DELEGATES,
I am excited to welcome you to the House Un-American Activities Council (HUAC) of ILMUNC! My name is Anish Nadella, and as the co-chair I look forward to guiding you through engaging and impactful discussions that explore various aspects of international peace and security.
Often referred to as one of the most influential committees of the United States Congress during the mid-20th century, HUAC focused on investigating activities perceived as disloyal or subversive to the nation. Preserving American security and democratic values was considered a collective effort that relied on the vigilance of governmental institutions and the cooperation of citizens. Domestic organizations and community leaders played a crucial role in identifying and addressing potential threats within their respective spheres, as they were closer to the issues and individuals under scrutiny. The spread of propaganda and subversive ideologies has also become increasingly prevalent in times of political tension, and I look forward to hearing your ideas on how best to regulate and respond to such influences.
A little bit about me, I am a junior in Wharton studying finance and real estate. I’m from Chicago where I participated in my high school’s Model UN club. Outside of ILMUNC, I help prospective Wharton students through Wharton Ambassadors and am in a business frat on campus. I love football and golfing and try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!
Chris, Pavol, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the DISEC committee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Anish Nadella
Co-Chair, HUAC
anadella@wharton.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to ILMUNC XLII! My name is Chris Alfano, and I am honored to welcome you to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). As your chair, I look forward to facilitating thoughtful and engaging debate about this important period in American history.
HUAC, one of the most notorious and controversial committees in congressional history, investigated alleged rebel activities and disloyalty on American soil. The committee was born out of fear of pro-German sentiment in the United States, but later focused its attention on Bolshevism. HUAC became a standing committee of the House of Representatives in 1946 and was at the forefront of the federal government’s efforts to prevent communist sentiment from taking hold in the U.S. However, its investigations drew the ire of many critics, who argued that its tactics violated ethical and constitutional norms. Navigating this tense climate is a difficult task, and I look forward to hearing your ideas on how to ease public discontent.
A bit about me: I am a sophomore from Dorset, Vermont studying Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies & History. Outside of ILMUNC, I compete on Penn’s Intercollegiate Model UN team (INTERCOL) and am involved in the Penn Policy Consulting Group. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, hiking, and otherwise spending time outdoors!
Anish, Pavol, and I are all looking forward to working with you in HUAC. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Chris Alfano
Chair, HUAC
calfano@sas.upenn.edu