University of Virginia Library

Not Protesting War

The letter went on, "The original
motion was that armed forces
recruiters be barred from Newcomb
Hall. This suggestion was
not made in an attempt to protest
the military activities of this
nation; rather it was forwarded
to prevent the occurrence of difficulties
arising from Hershey's
insistence in reclassifying or
threatening reclassification against
student protesters. Though that
motion was defeated, the motion
requesting this letter to you
passed by a substantial majority.

"I wish to reassure you that
this motion is not a maledictory
one against the bases of the draft
system o the nation's various
endeavors. This letter is simply
a request that you join other
educators and relate to General
Hershey the sentiment of this
student body and its absolute refusal
to allow lawful protest to
be blocked or unlawful protest
to be illegally punished."

President Shannon, in his reply
dated February 19, said,
"First, let me say that I share
the 'discontent' and the University
has taken official action in
concert with the institutions who
are members of the American
Council on Education. Following
is an excerpt of the statement
transmitted to high government
officials: