University of Virginia Library

Beyond Stars And Bars

An incident at Saturday's football game,
which involved the display of the Confederate
flag, passed beyond the notice of most
spectators. Lost though it was amid the general
hoopla, the confrontation between a
flag-waving white student and a group of black
students could have erupted in serious violence
were it not for the swift intervention of Dean
of Students Robert Canevari.

What seems to have occurred is this: the
black students approached the white and
requested that the banner be put away. Because
for many-black and white -the "Stars and Bars"
is symbolic of white racism and reminiscent of
a war which ought to have been consigned to
history years ago, the blacks suggested that the
presence of the flag was offensive to black
players on the field and to people in the stands.

The whole matter might have concluded
gracefully at this point except for the antics of
a few Wahoo enthusiasts in a nearby reserved
seat section-probably alumni-whose thought
processes were sufficiently lubricated that they
began heckling the black students and
demanding that the flag stay put. When the
Blacks stood their ground, an usher who had
addressed them as "boys", called in city police.
It was at this point that the danger was greatest.
Unaware of what had gone on, the police were
ready to seize the black students. Only Mr.
Canevari's quick thinking, along with a few
simple words of explanation to the officers,
headed off a heavier scene.

It is almost inconceivable that the incident
really was necessary. Many recall the
controversy several years ago concerning the
performance of "Dixie" at ball games by the
Pep Band. After many objections and protests
from students who felt the song, like the flag
with which it is identified, represents an
oppressive and decadent culture, the band was
instructed to play it no more.

And the Confederate banner like the song,
will pass from waning vogue into the oblivion it
deserves.

In the meantime, steps are being taken to
prevent a repetition of last weekend's
confrontation. Yesterday, Student Council
President Tom Collier was meeting with Eugene
Corrigan of the athletic department in an effort
to have all flags and banners banned from
University athletic events. Further, Mr. Collier
said he hopes to elaborate an understanding of
the role outside police are to play at University
games. More authority, he feels, should be left
in the hands of responsible and discrete ushers
and University officials on the scene, thus
reducing the risk of violence.

As for the grown-ups - those drunken
hecklers - we don't need you. Reports from the
first round of fraternity rush parties indicate an
abundance of racism here already. No "outside
agitators" are necessary.

Black students are encouraged to discuss the
instances of racism to which they are often
subjected. Members of Student Council have in
the past demonstrated their willingness to act
on such complaints; this newspaper welcomes
any information regarding discrimination on
the Grounds, especially the kind which -
because it is news - may produce results. If a
fraternity is racist it may continue to exist, as
many do, but its name should be made known
as such.

A legacy of intolerance and oppression
could not be thrown off in a day or a night, or
even in a year. But the night from which we are
yet emerging has lasted hundreds of years. The
signs of a new day are small things: a gesture, a
smile, an act of trust. Not much. But they are
the stuff of hope.