University of Virginia Library

Will We Ever Hear?

Over two weeks ago we called for an
explanation of the financial relations between
the University and Alumni Association and
Billy Williams' bookstore domain. Still there
has been absolutely no response from either
the University or the Alumni Association.

We said originally: "We do know that
enough people in this community suspect
shaky dealings to merit clarification of policy
from the University and the Alumni
Association. We do therefore, on behalf of the
University community, call for full
explanation of the financial relations between
the University and the Anderson
Bros.-University Bookstore establishment
from both the University and from the
Alumni Association. We are sure that such an
explanation would do nothing more than
clear everyone's good name. So how about
it?"

Last week again: "The facts on the matter
remain a little foggy, because the only people
who could clear the air have refused to do so
up to this time. The longer they remain silent,
refusing to clear their names in this
controversy, the more the doubt in many
people's minds grow. It is far past time for a
full account of these financial dealings. We
except it to be forthcoming imminently."

Nothing but silence has resulted from
these two efforts. The Administration and the
Alumni Association must be hoping that the
issues and hard questions will just wither
away if they never respond, never give the
University community the answers it deserves.
They are sadly mistaken. The Student Council
has formed a committee to investigate all of
the ramifications of the dealings between the
University and Alumni Association and the
Corner bookstores.

We will repeat a few of the questions that
have arisen over these financial relationships.
Why is the bookstore in Newcomb Hall
officially prohibited from selling hardback
books? How are the transactions concerning
athletic equipment, physical education
uniforms, and athletic scholarships executed
with Mr. Williams' stores? What is the nature
of the numerous gifts that the University and
the Alumni Association receives from Mr.
Williams? In short we want a full report on
the financial dealings over the past five years.

The longer the University and the Alumni
Association hesitate or refuse to reveal their
financial undergarments the more the distrust
and suspicion grow in the minds of members
of the University community. The inactivity
thus far has done nothing to clear the name of
the University and the Alumni Association in
this unpleasant matter. We are not willing to
let it die in their silence.

If the integrity of the Administration and
the Alumni Association is worth preserving,
we suggest a response immediately.