University of Virginia Library

Council Argues Black Alienation Issue,
Urges Involvement In University Process

By Bryan DeLaney
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

"We are faced with possible total
alienation of the blacks within the
University," announced Maryann
McDermot, representative from the
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
"Unfortunately, the problem is getting
worse and not better."

During the Student Council meeting
Tuesday night, Miss McDermot stressed
the idea that black students as individuals
must be encouraged to take a more active
role in University processes and efforts
must be made by all students before this
will be possible.

Although no specific solutions were
decided upon, Miss McDermot urged the
Council to seek out black students on a
personal basis to participate in the Council's
activities.

Objections

Objections to this were raised by some
Council members who expressed the feeling
that students should not receive preferential
treatment regardless of race.

In closing the discussion, College
representative Tom Collier declared, "We have
the makings of a crisis situation here unless
things turn in a different direction."

It was also decided Tuesday night that the
Council should do everything possible to
encourage the University Alumni Association to
direct a large proportion of their fund raising
efforts into worthwhile projects within the
University. Two such areas of special concern
to the Council are black recruitment and the
University's library fund.

Tool Shop

A proposal to allocate $125 for the
establishment of a tool shop in the dormitory
area for students had to be tabled because of a
shortage of available funds. Treasurer Alan
Botsford of the Commerce School made it clear
that the Council had barely enough funds to
operate at all first semester.

Unless special arrangements can be made to
finance the project, Council funds will not be
available until the second semester.

The Council endorsed the petition presently
being distributed on the Grounds calling for
limitations to be placed on the size of next
year's entering class.

They made clear, however, that its concern
was with the quality of education at the
University, and it was expected that black
recruitment would "continue to expand and
progress and that co-education implementation
would be continued to the full extent."

It was announced by Council President
Kevin Mannix that he would be meeting with
the Board of Visitors this Saturday.