University of Virginia Library

Physics Department
Welcomes Involvement

The following resolution was passed by the faculty of the Physics
department at its meeting February 28:

We welcome the active interest shown by students of the University,
particularly in recent weeks, in improving opportunities for black
students at the University and in improving conditions of employment
of its lower-salaried employees.

We support the principle of non-discrimination in the academic
community and urge all faculty, students, and members of the
academic community to involve themselves in programs to further this
aim.

We support the proposal for a transition year program and urge the
University administration to seek funds for the program from private or
public sources until such a search is successful. However, in the long run
the quality of preparatory education must be the responsibility of the
state high schools and the University should use its resources and
influence in the state to work towards that end.

We are well aware that the University is making a real and sincere
effort to bring black students here in much greater numbers and to
allow black persons to participate fully in the life of the University. At
the same time, there is an evident lack of awareness of channels through
which effective contributions can be made by interested members of
the community. We therefore support the creation of a visible
committee charged with coordinating current efforts and developing
new proposals into viable and effective new policies.