University of Virginia Library

Professors' Assembly
Passes 4 Resolutions

By Donn Kessler
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Over 400 members of the University
faculty met early yesterday morning in
the Assembly of Professors and passed
four motions concerned with the issues of
the student strike. The meeting was the
largest of its kind in five years.

The first resolution expressed the
professors' "respect for and confidence in
the students of the University." The
resolution also stated the concern of the
professors in the "American presence and
projects in Southeast Asia."

David B. Harned, professor of religion,
stated that the purpose of the resolution was to
"avoid polarization of the students with the
faculty and administration." Mr. Harned added
that he did not feel that the resolution was
political in nature.

Arthur C. Kirsch of the English Department
disagreed with Mr. Harned. He felt that the
"faculty is trapped in a political situation. We
must decide which political act would be more
beneficial to the University — to pass a
resolution and show our solidarity with the
students or not to pass any resolutions and
separate ourselves from the students."

Deletions Defeat

Two amendments were proposed to
change or delete the sentence dealing with the
war in Vietnam but both amendments were
defeated and the resolution passed 362-63.

The second resolution stated that the
Assembly "mourns and deplores the needless
destruction of human life in the Kent State
community, and hopes that the lessons of Kent
State will not be lost on others."

In discussing the motion, Eugene A. Foster,
a professor in the medical school, stated that
the events at Kent State were "the result of bad
will and bad judgement on both sides."

The resolution was passed by a vote of
356-33.

Non-Violence

The third resolution stated that the
Assembly reaffirmed the right of students and
faculty to dissent "in an orderly and peaceful
fashion," but cautioned both the administration
and dissenters to have tolerance and
respect of each other.

The resolution approved unanimously.

The last resolution stated that the faculty
should deal with the "issues raised by the
students that affect the academic life of the
University." The resolution mentioned the
military's relation to the University as one
concrete issue.

The motion passed by a vote of 294-37.

In discussing the meeting, one professor
observed that the faculty had to carefully word
each resolution so as to avoid making any
political statements He further explained that
many members of the faculty did not feel that
the faculty as a body should involve itself in
political controversies.