University of Virginia Library

New Regulations Issued
For Protests By Students

By Rick Pearson
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

President Shannon has, issued to
student leaders and administration officials
a statement in which he outlines a
new set of regulations governing student
demonstrations and protests on the
Grounds.

These rules, set forth in a statement
dated September 4, describe a regulatory
policy quite different from the system of
past years. The principles expressed by
Mr. Shannon are the same, but they are
outlined in broad terms, without a list of
specific prohibitions or details.

President Shannon begins in his
introductory remarks by saying that he
wishes to create a system which will be
flexible and will allow the University to
be a "truly free and open society." He states
that the freedoms of thought and expression
must be sustained, while there is a "respect for
the rights of all to enjoy them to the same
extent."

Two principles must be observed, Mr.
Shannon states, to preserve these freedoms.
First, a regulatory system must avoid a
technical "code of conduct" and second, the
"students responsibility
for their own conduct and actions." An
ideal policy would be one modeled after the
Honor System, he says.

Mr. Shannon then proceeds to outline the
basic rules for orderly student protest.

The policy allows any group of students to
use University space in a manner that is not
physically destructive, unlawful, or discriminatory
on the basis of race, religion, color,
national origin, or sex. Further, it cannot
disrupt academic activities or any scheduled
events or normal pursuits.

The new policy states that desired space
should be reserved to assure its availability. If
the space has already been reserved for other
use, students may communicate their views to
those present in a manner that does not disrupt
the activity in process.

Such special rules may be made by the Dean
of Student Affairs, in cooperation with those
who have reserved University space. The Dean
of Student Affairs, or anyone else designated
by the President, also has the authority to ask
any student using University space in violation
of the rules to leave.

Finally, any student who is warned that his
action is in violation of the rules, and who
refuses to leave when asked, will be subject to
standing University disciplinary procedures.

In theory, there is little difference between
this policy and those of previous years.
However, it represents a change in the manner
of formulating the policy.

The regulatory system in effect through last
year was stated in a brief dated April 29, 1968.
It listed a series of specific rules to acquire
University space, and it provided for several
conditions and qualifications to be met.

In order to stage a protest, the demonstration
was required to be sponsored by an
organization officially recognized by the
Student Council. The organization bore the
burden of answering in advance detailed
questions and it was held responsible for the
actions of all participants in the demonstrations.
More importantly, the demonstration had to be
registered at least four days in advance.

Now, however, specific requirements will
not have to be met. The burden of responsibility
rests on the students and their willingness
to abide by the much broader regulations. Any
student group participate, and it is asked
only that the group reserve the space according
to procedures set by the Registrar.

Mr. Shannon adopted these rules over the
summer after the Student Council decided to
terminate its administration of demonstration
and limit itself to assisting in maintaining
University provisions.