University of Virginia Library

Policy Of 'Older Generation'

Runk Retains Anti-Drug Stand

By Jim Doilney
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Questioned yesterday if the
University administration's position
on the use of marijuana
had changed, B. F. D. Runk,
Dean of the University, said,
"The Letter (issued last summer)
states the policy of the University
administration, the older
generation, as The Cavalier
Daily so fondly calls us."

The letter he was referring to
was sent to all students of the
University and read in part:

"Possession or use of these
psychedelic drugs by students at
the University of Virginia is considered
an indication that they
are not constructively interested
in academic work in this University
community and may be
given an immediate opportunity
to withdraw or be suspended."

His comment about the "older
generation" made reference to
a Cavalier Daily editorial earlier
this week which termed present
laws prohibiting use of marijuana
outdated.

Questioned specifically whether
use of marijuana still indicated
to him that a student was
"not constructively interested in
academic work," Mr. Runk gave
an unqualified "yes."

'Abuses In Anything'

When asked how he would
compare the effects of drinking
alcoholic beverages and smoking
marijuana he stated, "I think
there can be abuses in anything,
even in food."

Mr. Runk, a biology professor,
explained that the policy on
marijuana and LSD was based
on the advice of Dr. Andrew
D. Hart, Director of the Department
of Student Health, Dr.
Chalmers L. Gemmill, former
chairman of the pharmacology
department in the School of
Medicine, and Dr. John Buckman,
associate professor of psychiatry.

Runk No Expert

He said, "I am not an expert
on drugs and that's why I went
to people who are."

Asked if he felt that marijuana
use could be detrimental to
one's physical and mental processes,
Mr. Runk said, "The evidence
doesn't prove that it isn't."

When it was implied that the
regulation as stated in the letter
called for a definite suspension
or withdrawal Mr. Runk noted
that the phrase "may be given"
appeared before the words "an
opportunity to withdraw or be
suspended" in the letter issued
last summer.

He said that the rule would
apply in all cases including that
of the University student apprehended
last week by narcotics
agents in Washington.

In another area of concern,
Mr. Runk made note of the interruption
of an English class
Monday by a representative of
the county sheriff's office.

At that time a deputy requested
that a student leave the
classroom for questioning about
some litter found in the reservoir
bearing the student's name.

He said the University policy
is that "no information is given
anyone from the Office of the
Registrar as regarding a student's
whereabouts except to the Office
of the Dean or the Department
of Security."