University of Virginia Library

Rallies, Speeches, Busts Highlight Strike

addressed an unfriendly gathering
in front of the library saying only
that he had contacted Senators
Byrd and Spong, and had arranged
for students to meet with them the
following week.

From there, the crowd calmed
by law Professor Charles
Whitebread marched to University
Hall, where William Kunstler and
Jerry Rubin were to speak. Later,
after the ignited crowd left the near
filled University Hall, many again
marched to Carr's Hill where
Kunstler asked the demonstrators to
remain firm in their devotion. Once
again, a few demonstrators later
occupied the NROTC building but
left shortly when little support
materialized.

Rally, Honk-In

Another rally on the Lawn
Thursday resulted in an agreement
to continue the strike until
Monday, at which time a
referendum would be held to
decide the future course of the
strike and which demands would be
supported. Thursday night a large
crowd gathered at the intersection
of Routes 250 and 29, and urged
passing motorists to honk their
horns for peace. Soon the police
were called in to quiet the uproar
caused by the gathering.

Friday nights demonstration
began in much the same way. A
honking grew to such proportions
that again the police had to be
called in, but this time the results
were different. Pushing the crowd
back from the intersection and
finally forcing them onto the area

in front of the Rotunda. After a
few minutes of inaction D. Alan
Williams gave an order for the
crowd to disperse, and when few
people moved, about 100 police
charged over the small wall and
chased people back onto the Lawn,
where the police arrested people
who were standing around, as well
as dragged a few out of Lawn
rooms. Later, moving through the
fraternity area, the police arrested
more students, many of whom were
sitting on porches or walking from
one place to another. In all, 68
people were arrested, many of
whom were not even interested in
the strike before this time.

Shannon Speaks

In a Sunday afternoon meeting
President Shannon urged prompt
action to end the war and called for
the national administration to
"demonstrate determination to end
the unprecedented alienation of
youth." He also stated that the
University would remain open but
that he hoped that academic
options would be given to the
strikers. David Shannon later stated
that 3 options would be open to
students. They could postpone final
exams until October 16, 1970, take
course averages of May 1, 1970, or
take their exams as usual.

Strike Grows

By Monday night the results of
the days referendum showed the
strike still strong, 68% of the
students who voted, voted to
continue the strike, and also passed
6 of the 9 demands. As the strike
grew, more people boycotted
classes; some went into the city
talking to the citizens about the
war and related topics, but some
became inactive and went home.

For a more complete view of the
strike the Cavalier Daily strongly
recommends the booklet May
Days, published by three C. D.
Staff members.