University of Virginia Library

I am the parent of a college freshman and I am
writing to a number of college newspapers in
reference to the revision of the Selective Service Act.

I am opposed to the provision just approved by
the House of Representatives, and now under
consideration by the Senate, which permits the
President to abolish student
deferments... retroactively to April 23, 1970. Those
students who are now college freshmen will be the
first students since World War II to have their
education interrupted. In the present situation this
seems unwarranted... for it comes at a time when the
draft is being phased out and the administration's
goal is zero draft by 1973. The terrible irony is that
the students who are now college
freshmen will be the only class to
be affected.

To abolish any student
deferments is punitive, but to
abolish them retroactively is
reprehensible. No other deferments
have ever been abolished
retroactively.

I urge you to publish this letter
in order to urge all students to
write immediately to their Senators
to protest this revision. Have their
parents write also. Bombard
President Nixon with letters and
telegrams. We must eliminate the
retroactive aspect of the new
Selective Service Act.

Act quickly. . .the Senate will be
voting on this same issue very
soon!!