University of Virginia Library

Student Rally
Attracts 400
For Lawn March

Yesterday's rally was highlighted
by speeches by Mr. Hayes and Mr.
Rosen.

Mr. Hayes noted that the
purpose of the rally was to bring
attention to the racial condition of
the University and the state. He
lauded the ability of several
factions of students to join together
in one common cause to "assert the
dignity of the University and the
state of Virginia."

IFC Question

"I feel that it is our duty to
show the governor, the legislature,
the people of the state and those of
the nation that we want a
representative Board of Visitors for
the University," continued Mr.
Hayes. After being questioned as to
why, there were no Negroes in the
IFC, he commented that he
thought it was terrible, but was
quick to add, "We are here to make
improvements, not to yell at
each other."

Mr. Rosen congratulated the
students present for being able to
"leave their indifferences in their
rooms" and come to the rally. He
apologized for the apparent lack of
organization in the meeting and the
impromptu speeches, and promised
that today all the issues would be
explained in detail and that
prominent members of the faculty
and clergy will address the
assembly.

"Bring Friends"

He closed by urging all those
present "to bring five of their
friends, or even three," to help
demonstrate student support for
the issues.

On the unofficial level, the rally
featured several placards and signs
as well as many as 300 students
marching around the Lawn at
Pavilion VIII, while at least 100
others watched from various points
along the colonnades on each side
of the Lawn. Several members of
the SDS passed out a newspaper
called the Mayday to all present,
and the marching crowds yelled
slogans such as "Dump Wheatley"
and "End Racism."

Where's Mr. Jefferson?

Slogans such as "Thomas
Jefferson would have been farther
left than anyone here," and "Where
is Thomas Jefferson now that we
need him," demonstrated the
historical relevance of Mr.
Jefferson's ideals with situations of
today. Other signs included,
"Progress, Not Apologies," "End
Racism, Dr. Shannon Support Us,"
and "Legislators, Let Us Pay A
Living Wage."

The rally was supported by
members of the College, many
white-coated students from the
medical school, and students from
other schools.