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Expressed Fear

The committee had further expressed
the fear that if degree credit was taken
away from ROTC, the programs might leave the
University.

John Israel, an associate professor of
history, objected to consideration of the
motion, stating that the committee had
misinterpreted its mandate.

Mr. Israel stated that the committee had
assumed their purpose was to keep ROTC on
the Grounds at all costs, while they were only
to investigate the retaining of ROTC on a
non-degree credit basis.

The motion to end all consideration of the
proposal failed by a vote of 104-70.

Discussion was then heard on the committee
recommendation.

Dante Germino, a professor in the
government department, asked whether ROTC
restrictions on students were compatible with
the academic freedom at the University. Mr.
Germino specified the restrictions on haircuts,
the membership in certain organizations, and
the restrictions on the choice of major by
ROTC cadets.

Walter C. Blattman, the head of the Navy
ROTC program, stated that the restrictions
were not as limiting as Mr. Germino had
suggested.

Mr. Germino then asked Mr. Selden whether
he "believed that instruction in the means of
destroying human life was valid on a university
campus." Mr. Selden stated that he believed
that such study was valid as it was tied to
national defense.