University of Virginia Library

The Statement

We, the undersigned, students and
faculty members of the University of
Virginia, are gravely concerned by many
evidences of anti-intellectualism and
growing militarism in the national
government of the United States.

Education has been increasingly
neglected. Verbal attacks upon universities,
students, and the free press by persons in
the highest levels of the government have
become commonplace. The unspeakable
tragedy at Kent State was received in terms
that appeared challenging and callous. The
promised disengagement in Southeast Asia
has been agonizingly slow. The recent
announcement of the invasion of Cambodia
- a critical decision vitally affecting the
lives and futures of all our young men - was
used to reflect personal and political credit
upon the President. It has now become clear
that the decision was reached without the
advice and consent of either the Secretary
of State or any committee of the Senate of
the United States.

We, therefore, urge you to join with your
fellow Senators in reasserting the authority
of the Senate over the foreign policy of the
United States and the use of the armed
forces in its support.