E. S. Gosney
E.S. Gosney | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 6, 1855 Kenton County, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | September 14, 1942 (aged 86) |
| Alma mater | Saint Louis University School of Law |
| Occupations | |
| Known for | Advocating eugenics and compulsory sterilization |
Ezra Seymour Gosney (November 6, 1855 – September 14, 1942) was an American businessman and philanthropist who supported the practice of eugenics. In 1928 he founded the Human Betterment Foundation (HBF) in Pasadena, California, with the stated aim "to foster and aid constructive and educational forces for the protection and betterment of the human family in body, mind, character, and citizenship," primarily through the advocacy of compulsory sterilization of people who are mentally ill or intellectually disabled. Rufus B. von KleinSmid, President of University of Southern California, was a co-founder.