The University of Catania on the Way to “Racial Purity”

Abstract

At the time of the enactment of racial laws, at the University of Catania there are no Jewish teachers.
However, the current Rector Orazio Condorelli, in his opening speech of the 1938-39 academic year, recalls that
investigations are underway with reference to a single dubious position. But, in fact, another scholar from the university,
although not a professor, is expelled. He is the director of the Astrophysical Observatory of Catania Azeglio Bemporad,
esteemed scholar, who, as a Jew, is expelled according to the dictates of R.D.L. 1728/1938. In addition, the Rector
announces that from the current year the teachings of "General demography and comparative demography of races" and
"Biology of races" will be introduced. Their purpose is to strengthen the racial consciousness of the students of the
University as well as citizens of a nation that on the racial hierarchy and the fight against crossbreeding and racial
degeneration intends to build its future of political hegemony. These teachings will be held respectively by Gaetano
Zingali, Professor of Statistics and already federal of the PNF in Catania at the end of the twenties and Dean of the Faculty
of Law in 1932-33 and 1936-37 and by Bruno Monterosso, Professor of Zoology. Both will devote a manual to teaching.
Available since 1939 that of Demography of races, since 1942 that of Biology of races, both published by the G.U.F. of
Catania. After the war, Zingali will be subjected to a process of purging, Monterosso will continue for some years to teach
Biology of races, Condorelli will be deputy at the Constituent Assembly.