University of Virginia Library

The notice from the Honor Committee
printed in Wednesday's Cavalier Daily has
forced me to a most sad conclusion. The
statement that students feel one lie different
from another; that is, to lie for a drink is the
act of a gentleman while to lie to a dean is
not, is simply not true.

A close view of the limits placed upon
the honor system will clarify this fact. It is
not a lie to lie to a date. It is not a lie to lie
to the ABC Store man. It is not an honor
offense to be dishonorable away from the
University Community. It is not dishonorable
to steal, lie and cheat if you are away
from the restricted zone. I do not condone
or condemn these restrictions here, I merely
point to them as facts and reflections of real
student opinion.

It is also fact that honor is deeply
personal, it is not limited by time or place
and that because of this an honor system
must be a reflection of the emotions of
most of the students or others involved for
it to be viable. These facts point to one
conclusion. The honor system, because of a
general change in the concept of honor or a
loss of concern about being honorable,
should be and deserves to be honorably put
to rest.

It is a part of the history of the
University and regrettably not a part of her
present. I am glad to say that I have had the
pleasure of living under a great honor
system and have loved and cherished that
system. It has been a convenience, a joy and
an unexplainable part of my years in
Charlottesville.

It is for these reasons that I ask that the
system buried and not gradually
dismembered and incarcerated in Washington
Hall. It deserves a retirement with nobility,
not a gradual flaying.

The many who will oppose my suggestion
should ask themselves only one
question. The Honor System of the
University has been for over 100 years a
vital and impressive institution and perhaps
the finest display of group honor in the
world. Is what little fragment of that system
which could be saved for a few years truly
of value or is it merely a small and hollow
shell and reminder of better days.

I sadly proclaim that our honor system is
dead, let us face that fact.