University of Virginia Library

Madison Demonstration

The case in point refers to two
demonstrations staged by Madison College
students over administrative refusal to retain
various teaching personnel.

The first meeting, which began, according to
Judge Merhige, "in conformity with college
rules," ended in the occupation of Wilson Hall,
the central administration building. Though
prior arrangements for its use had not been
made, about 25 students intended to remain in
the building overnight "in order to dramatize
their concern and to meet with President Miller,
whose office is in the building, the next
morning."

The next morning, Dean James Fox ordered
the group to vacate Wilson Hall, and added,
according to Judge Merhige's memorandum,
that they "were conducting a demonstration
contrary to regulations and would be subject to
sanctions provided in the handbook regulations
unless they left within fifteen minutes."