University of Virginia Library

An Apology

Yesterday we attacked those professors
who are refusing to follow the strike
guidelines set by the department chairman in
the College of Arts and Sciences. We reiterate
that we believe that anyone, strikers or
faculty members, who imposes his own views
through coercion is taking unethical action
and deserves to admonished for it.

The decision to keep the University open,
in the sense that the strike can proceed and
students who wish can continue their
academic studies, was one which puts other
universities forced to shut down to shame.
Students truly opposed to the war in
Indochina and the repression that occurs in
this country daily are now being granted
delays or alternatives so that they can devote
their energies to productive work.

We apologize to Howard Hamilton of the
Department of Biology if he took our 12 May
editorial as a personal insult or attack on his
character. Despite our occasional differences
of opinion, we know Mr. Hamilton to be an
immensely fair and always available teacher.
He is a man devoted to his work and to his
students.

We do say, however, that the information
we received concerning the Biology 2 class
was verified by members of our staff who are
enrolled in that course and by numerous
complaining first-year men. We are sure that
all professors realize that if they show no
consideration for those students who are
conscientiously opposed to the Southeast
Asian war, they will alienate almost all of
their students. For those members of the
faculty who have not made up their minds
over the academic alternatives, please keep an
open mind.