University of Virginia Library

Student Orderliness

The evidence contained in this decision
points to the fact that "on both occasions the
students in Wilson Hali displayed exemplary
orderliness." "Their principal purpose was to
meet with President Miller in the morning,
having waited overnight to dramatize their
concern." Nothing in the files indicates that the
students intended anything but a calm
discussion with the president."

The full effects of this decision are yet to be
realized; however, since " 'One cannot be
punished for failing to obey the command of an
officer if that command is itself violative of the
Constitution,' " (Wright v. Georgia, 1963), the
Madison students obviously did not "subject
themselves to sanctions when they calmly
refused to comply with Dean Fox's orders to
discontinue their protected activities."

Thus, with this decision, limits to
demonstrations, such as advance notice and
locations, have been found to be in violation of
the Constitution, when the demonstration is
peaceful.