University of Virginia Library

The University needs a broad
restructuring of policy-making
bodies through a fundamental
change in the attitudes of
administrators and students alike
(not minuscule reforms of parietal
rules and automobile regulations).
The best way to achieve this change
is through mass action - not
necessarily violent action - but
simply a clear-cut expression of
student desires.

A University, pure and simple, is
a place where ideas can be
exchanged and knowledge explored
freely - not a collection of
"buildings and grounds" which
must be protected at any price. The
emphasis at the University of
Virginia has always been on the
latter, superficial aspect. Sad to say,
intellectual and academic freedom
have never been among our
cherished traditions. At Yale, on
the other hand, ideas have always
come before appearances. That's
why the traditional channels work
so well there - because they have a
long history of effectiveness behind
them. The situation is quite
different here, and Mr. Whitaker's
comparison might not prove
applicable.

Robert Rosen is right. Big
changes are needed and large
numbers of students are required to
effect these changes. No, Mr. Rosen
is not a "masochist." Rather, he is a
student who wants to make at least
some small contribution - to leave
the University a little better than he
found it. His honesty is refreshing
after years of meaningless talk
about "honor" and "gentlemen."
Let's hear some more of it soon.