University of Virginia Library

Conference Impels
Black Discontent

By TIM WHEELER

"A waste of time" was the opinion by
one member of the Black Student
Alliance in reference to the meeting
between University President Edgar F.
Shannon and representatives of the
Alliance.

Such was the reaction expressed by
two of the students present at the
interview held in President Shannon's office
Wednesday afternoon to present Mr. Shannon
with a list of grievances drawn up by black
students to protest racism at the University.

Immediate response to the meeting by
University officials present was optimistic,
however, Mr. Shannon stated that he intended
to meet with blacks in support of "working
these things out together."

Closed Session

William A. Elwood, Assistant for Special
Programs, was also present at the closed session.
Mr. Elwood said the meeting opened with a
statement by Chris Kerr, Student Council
representative from the College. Mr. Shannon
"mostly listened" as the list of grievances was
read to him.

According to Clarence Cain, a member of
the Black Student Alliance, the students
explained the main problems at the University,
listed in the twelve grievances, and requested
actions to relieve the "uni-cultural University
atmosphere" and "racism" of the community.

Grievances

Mr. Cain said that these grievances have
come up at various times in the past year, and
have been presented to the University officials
before.

Unofficial sources noted yesterday that the
list of grievances was not the official position of
the Black Student Alliance, but an independent
effort.

Referring to the list of grievances, Mr.
Elwood stated that "when discussions continue,
that will be the agenda. We're going to begin
discussing these twelve points in terms of what
has been done, and what is being done now."
From this basis, Mr. Elwood added, discussion
will center on further action to be taken.

Although Mr. Shannon was unavailable for
comment, and D. Alan Williams, Vice-President
for Student Affairs, refused to add a statement
on the presentation of grievances. Mr. Elwood
stated that "a good number" of the grievances
have been worked on in the past and are being
worked on now. In support of his statement,
Mr. Elwood referred to the December, 1970,
issue of the President's Report to the University
Community.

Willie Ivey

Council Member Presents Grievances