University of Virginia Library

If School Closes For Moratorium

YAF Threatens University With Legal Suit

By Brian Siegel
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Young Americans for Freedom at the
University announced yesterday that legal
action will be taken against the University
if a decision is formally made to cancel
classes because of the Vietnam Moratorium.

An injunction will be filed to prevent
the shutdown if a decision to close classes
is reached.

In a letter to President Shannon, the
local YAF chapter stated that cancellation
of classes is an unjustifiable
abrogation of each student's contract
with the University and a violation of
each student's right to pursue his
education.

According to John Kwapisz, Chairman of
the local YAF chapter and State Executive
Director, "A student strike would be legal.
However, a general cancellation of classes
would violate the students' right to pursue their
education."

Referendum

Mr. Kwapisz said optional classes or even a
student referendum would perhaps be acceptable,
even though a referendum would represent
little better than half the University.

He added that the YAF is also considering
legal or student action against the Student
Council for its passage of a resolution in
support of the Vietnam Moratorium and the
cancellation of classes.

The Executive Committee of the University's
YAF chapter called the Student Council
resolution "A gross overstepping of the
boundary of authority and concern vested in
the Council by the student body, and highly
unjust suppression of the rights of those
students who want to go to their classes. This
action is typical of the Leftist enthusiasm for
compulsion towards their ideas and for the
denial of personal freedom of choice."

Usurping Power

The Executive Committee continued that
"in usurping to itself the power to make
politically involved pronouncements and policies,
the Council has committed a serious
injustice against at least a large minority of
students to whom the so-called Vietnam
Moratorium is an unwise and, indeed, morally
reprehensible action. For this act of injustice,
the Student Council is deserving of censure and
even removal by its constituents, the students.
We minimally demand that the pertinent
resolution be rescinded."

"Such a decision," the Executive Committee
continued, "should be made only by a student
referendum, and then only as a statement of
opinion - not a denial of the right of any
student to attend class if he so desires."

In reply to this, Steve Squire, chairman of
the committee for the Vietnam Moratorium,
said, "I believe that the bulk of the student
body opposes the war, but that they are not
quite sure what to do about it. Here is one of
the most burning issues of the day: men are
dying and the nation is spending huge sums of
money."

Mr. Squire added, "The Student Council
acted within their proper channel of communication
in asking the President of the University
to call off classes on October 15. It is clearly
within the power of the President of the
University and the Faculty Senate to decide
when classes are to be held, and when they are
not to be held."

Mr. Squire continued, "We must remember
that this day would not be a holiday, but rather
be a day used for discussion to a solution on
how to end the war in Vietnam."

He emphasized, "This is all within the realm
of education. There is just a difference in
emphasis. Instead of the students going to the
classrooms to learn, they would be able to learn
in these discussions."

Press Conference

A national press conference is scheduled for
October 3 by the national YAF organization at
which they will reveal a nationally organized
attack aimed at the Vietnam Moratorium
scheduled for October 15 at universities and
colleges across the nation.

Mr. Kwapisz also stated that a Student
Committee for a Rational and Humane
Vietnam Peace would soon be formed.

He charged that the "net intent and
effect of the so-called Vietnam Moratorium is
the North Vietnamese demand for immediate
and unilateral withdrawal of all American
forces, with no regard for the fate of 15 million
South Vietnamese. We of Young Americans for
Freedom invite all concerned and humane
persons to join us in opposing a policy, the
effect of which would abandon the South
Vietnamese to the fanatic barbarity and atrocities
of the Viet Cong and their North Vietnamese
masters."

Although the YAF release did not state
what stand the organization takes on the
Vietnam issue, at Activities Night, the YAF
handout "Paper Number 5" which was titled
"Victory in Vietnam: The American Imperative"
stated in part, "YAF advocates that the
President state a firm and unalterable policy of
a U.S. victory in Viet Nam... We urge that our
military might be used to its greatest effect
through the bombing of all military targets
including MIG and missile bases and the port of
Haiphong."