Bernardine Dohrn, American domestic terrorist, political activist and academic

Bernardine Rae Dohrn, born Bernardine Ohrnstein on January 12, 1942, is a notable figure in American history, known for her pivotal role as a former leader of the radical left-wing organization, the Weather Underground, and her subsequent career as a respected law professor. Her life trajectory reflects a profound evolution from a revolutionary activist to a dedicated advocate within the legal system.

Dohrn's activism escalated significantly in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a prominent voice and leader within the Weather Underground, an offshoot of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), she became deeply involved in the group's revolutionary activities. The Weather Underground, often referred to as "Weathermen" or "Weatherpeople," emerged from the anti-Vietnam War movement with a more militant and confrontational approach, seeking to overthrow U.S. imperialism through acts of domestic terrorism, including bombings of government buildings and police stations. These actions, intended to incite revolution and protest U.S. foreign policy and racial injustice, led to intense scrutiny from federal authorities.

Given her leadership role in these highly controversial activities, Bernardine Dohrn was placed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. She remained on this infamous list from 1970 until 1973, a period during which she actively evaded capture. Despite her removal from the list in 1973—a decision often influenced by shifting FBI priorities or the challenges of apprehension—Dohrn continued to live underground as a fugitive. Her decade-long period of hiding concluded in 1980 when she, along with her husband and fellow Weather Underground co-founder Bill Ayers, voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

Upon her surrender, Bernardine Dohrn faced legal proceedings, though the charges were significantly reduced from the original federal indictments. This reduction was largely a consequence of revelations concerning illegal government surveillance and prosecutorial misconduct during the original investigations, particularly through programs like the FBI's COINTELPRO. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, specifically aggravated battery and bail jumping, receiving probation for her role in past events, rather than facing the more severe federal charges which had been dismissed.

Following her reintegration into society, Dohrn embarked on a distinguished legal career. She had graduated from the prestigious University of Chicago Law School in 1967, providing her with a strong foundation for her later work. In the 1980s, she joined Sidley & Austin, a prominent corporate law firm. This employment represented a notable shift for a former radical, illustrating her transition into the mainstream legal profession, albeit not without public discussion and scrutiny given her past.

From 1991 until her retirement in 2013, Dohrn served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Law at the Children and Family Justice Center, an integral part of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. In this role, she dedicated herself to advocating for vulnerable youth and families, focusing on issues such as juvenile justice, child welfare, and legal support for abused or neglected children. Her work at Northwestern marked a significant pivot from her earlier revolutionary activities, demonstrating a commitment to social justice through legal reform and advocacy within established systems.

Bernardine Dohrn is married to Bill Ayers, who was also a co-founder and prominent leader of the Weather Underground. Their shared past and subsequent, more conventional careers, represent a unique chapter in American political and legal history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernardine Dohrn

Who is Bernardine Dohrn?

Bernardine Dohrn is an American retired law professor and a former leader of the radical left-wing organization, the Weather Underground, active in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

What was the Weather Underground?

The Weather Underground was a radical left-wing organization, an offshoot of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), that advocated for the overthrow of the U.S. government. They engaged in violent acts, including bombings of government buildings and police stations, as a form of protest against the Vietnam War and racial injustice.

Why was Bernardine Dohrn on the FBI's Most Wanted list?

Bernardine Dohrn was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list from 1970 to 1973 due to her leadership role in the Weather Underground and its involvement in various acts of domestic terrorism.

What happened to Bernardine Dohrn after she came out of hiding?

After remaining a fugitive for a decade, Bernardine Dohrn voluntarily surrendered in 1980. Due to prosecutorial misconduct in the original federal investigations, she ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of aggravated battery and bail jumping, avoiding the more severe federal charges previously filed against her.

What did Bernardine Dohrn do after her legal proceedings?

Following her surrender and legal resolution, Bernardine Dohrn embarked on a career in law. She worked at the law firm Sidley & Austin in the 1980s and later became a Clinical Associate Professor of Law at the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law from 1991 to 2013, focusing on juvenile and family justice issues.