University of Virginia Library

'Weekly' Vows To Bring Newton

Panther May Speak Here
Over Administration's Veto

By Holly Smith
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Representatives of The Virginia
Weekly have vowed to have Black Panther
Huey Newton speak in University Hall on
Saturday despite administration
opposition.

On Monday the University Union
abandoned the effort to bring him to
Charlottesville since the University said it
could not legally meet the security
stipulations set by the Black Panthers.

The Virginia Weekly newspaper has
taken over the sponsorship and provided
the financial backing for Mr. Newton's
speech.

'Weekly' Statement

In a statement released last night the
Weekly claimed:

"Huey P. Newton, Minister of Defense of
the Black Panther Party, will speak Nov. 21,
1970, at 8 p.m. in University Hall, despite
administration attempts to block the speech."

The Weekly is a student publication
concerned predominantly with social issues.
Through private donations the paper was able
to raise $2,000 to bring Mr. Newton here.

Weekly staffers Al Long and Jeff Bigelow
attempted to reopen discussions with the
administrators who had explained to the Union
that it was impossible for the University to sign
the Panther's contract.

Union Contract

The Union had signed a contract to rent
University Hall for the night of Nov. 21 for Mr.
Newton's speech. Assistant Director of
Athletics Evan J. Male, who manages University
Hall, refused to allow The Virginia Weekly to
assume the contract although the Union was
agreeable to this arrangement.

When asked who had the final authority
over the use of the building the Weekly
representatives were referred to Paul Saunier,
director of University relations. Mr. Saunier
indicated that D. Alan Williams, Vice-President
for Student Affairs, would be the one to give
the official word on any building's use if the
matter were in contention.

Mr. Williams has firmly stated that the
University will not allow the frisking procedure
which the Panthers require the audience to be
subject to.

The second Panther demand, that the only
form of security be the Panther guards, has
been modified to a possible coordination of
Panther security with University security. The
Panther guards will not be bearing arms.

Statement Continues

The Weekly's statement continues:

"Program organizers have faced a
combination of lies, intimidation, stalling, and
harassment designed to prevent Huey
Newton's speech, not because of concern for
anyone's dignity or for the safety of state
property, but in order to repress Huey's
message to the people of the South. University
officials have told us that Huey's speech will
give the University a "bad image," and will
invoke the wrath of the state legislature; they
have made it clear that the real reason for
refusing permission for Huey's speech is
political."

If Newton does actually appear at the
University officials expect state-wide
repercussions, including criticism from the state
legislature.

The Black Panthers are asking for tight
security and a ban on fire arms inside the hall
because they fear attempts on Newton's life.

The Weekly has announced a press
conference to be held today at 11 a.m. on the
steps of Cabell Hall to discuss Mr. Newton's
appearance.

Photo By Lovelace Cook

Portrait Of George Washington By Gilbert Stuart Donated By George Rives

Number Eleven In A Series Of Portraits, Painted In The Head-Profile 'Vagn Style'