University of Virginia Library

Ross Denounces Resolution,
Defends Freedom Of Speech

By SUZY LAWSON

"I denounce the Student Council for
its resolution of April 18. It is a lie, a
slanderous lie, a purposeful lie."

In his "Public Statement on Student
Council Condemnations," Ken Ross
replied to the recent Council action
censuring him for the premature release
of the Future of the University
Committee report.

Mr. Ross presented copies of the
statement to the Cavalier Daily and
Student Council President Tom Collier. He
posted a duplicate on the Council bulletin
board and sent copies to the University
radio stations.

In regard to the accusation of
breeching an agreement to keep the
report secret, Mr. Ross said, "This is
absolutely not true: I NEVER made such
an agreement and I NEVER would have
made one."

Mr. Ross reported later that it was not
the entire committee, but the enrollment
projections subcommittee that made its
members agree to keep any reports secret.

His statement continues, "I, for one,
could not forsake my constituency or
violate my ethics because of the selfish
whims of a subcommittee, or a group of
politicians either. Only dictators and
incompetent bureaucrats need secrecy."

Calling Student Council 'a collection
of second-rate politicos,' Mr. Ross
declared he had no political motivations
in his actions. "I am not running for
office, I have not run for office and I
have no intention of running for office."

The Council's view that he was
expelled because of his release of the
document is incorrect, according to Mr.
Ross. "It was... because I refused to recant
and refused to promise never to expose
the truth again."

Mr. Ross strongly objects to the
"manner in which my 'trial' was held."
He was not consulted concerning the
special meeting where it was decided to
expel him from the committee.

He said, "if the Council has no
concern for freedom of information,
freedom of speech and freedom of the
press, and does not care if their
constituency knows the truth or has a
voice in the decision, then an equal
disregard for due process and a fair trial
is not surprising."

In conclusion, Mr. Ross asserted that
he believes "that secrecy is the worst
crime for any state, and especially for an
'academical village.' "

"I believe I acted in the best interest
of the students and the University. I
reject the Council's condemnation and
demand that they either withdraw it or,
by retaining it, remove me from the
Future of the University Committee, the
University-Public Affairs Committee and
the Calendar Revision Committee for
violating my duty and refusing to keep
the truth concealed from the student
body."