At the beginning of World War I (1918) the University of Nebraska held a trial against members of the university community, including professors. During the trial many individuals were accused of being "disloyal" and unpatriotic.

Professor Persinger of the History Department and Professor G.W.A. Luckey of the Education Department were put on trial with other professors, who came from different academic disciplines. Professor Persinger and Luckey were considered differently from the rest of those accused as they chose to talk to the press.

Conducted by a Council of Defence, the trial took place in the Law Building from May 28- June 12, 1918. Most of the evidence provided remained unsubstantiated. Many of those who served as witnesses were faculty members that had overheard negative comments made about the United States.

During the trial additional accusations were made, some towards faculty from the German and English Departments. Even though they were added to the list of people accused, many were let go with no actions taken against them.

At the end of the trial the Board of Regents ruled that there was no disloyalty. However, both Professor Persinger and Luckey were asked for their resignations because they had involved themselves and the University in public criticism.