University of Virginia Library

Military Recruiting

I fully agree with Councilman
Jacques Jones that the University
administration should ban military
recruiting on the Grounds until
we receive some assurance that the
rights of students will be protected
against unjust reclassification and
conscription. In fact, I would go
one step farther, and propose the
abolition of ROTC operations at
the University until such assurance
is received. While this is somewhat
like banning the Mafia until that
organization promises to behave,
this step is essential if we are to
show any organized protest against
a policy founded on the apparent
belief that the people exist for the
benefit of the military, rather than
vice versa.

Let me be clear, however: I
do not feel that it is a wise course
of action for students to physically
interfere with recruiting (of any
form) on college campuses, although
in this particular instance I
sympathize with the long range
objective which motivates such interference.
This action is basically
tasteless, degrading and a violation
of the freedoms of expression and
association. This, however, is a
matter for the University to handle,
not selective service boards, and
until the military itself ceases to
be an instrument for the suppression
of dissent—a direct and immediate
threat to every student
unlucky enough to disagree with
our military policy—the University
has a real obligation to refuse permission
to use University property
for the perpetuation of this
stranglehold on dissent. Equal
treatment by authority (the University
administration) is demanded
for the treatment of petty
tyrants, whether they be intolerant
students or a governmental agency,
which is capable of doing far more
damage.

In conclusion, I should like to
echo The Cavalier Daily's appeal
that General Hershey be replaced.
While the director has in the past
performed his duties with distinction,
his recent actions demonstrate
that he is no longer capable of
calm, reasoned judgment. It would
be a mistake to make General
Hershey, like J. Edgar Hoover,
into a sacred cow whose continuation
in office is compelled
by sentimentality rather than consideration
for the best interests of
the people. He should be retired
with honor, while that is still
possible.