University of Virginia Library

A Jeffersonian University

If we were gratified by the turnout at
Monday's demonstration, we were exhilarated
by yesterday's rally. When something like ten
per cent of a huge academic community
attends an assembly held in the name of ideals
of the sort which inspired this one, it can only
signal the dawn of a new day for that
community; when something like ten per cent
of Thomas Jefferson's "academical village"
turns out in the name of justice and fair play
for all, his spirit is glorified as never before.

What a credit it is to this university and to
higher education that such an orderly, "democratic"
rally can be held in search of democratic
ends. What a credit also are the efforts
of those who compromised so agonizingly to
unite for an effective and constructive movement
for change; what a credit further are the
hundreds who were interested enough to
listen.

Now we can only hope that the administration,
the Board, the Governor, and the
legislature are sufficiently convinced of the
strength of egalitarian sentiments at the University
to take the progressive steps recommended.
Surely the decision-makers will be
avoiding their obligations if they do not
respond in a fashion reflective of their awareness
of those sentiments.