University of Virginia Library

REPORT OF STATEMENT BY LEIGH B. MIDDLEDITCH, JR.

Mr. Middleditch told the Board that he has studied the issue of investments in South Africa with great care. He stated that he is unalterably opposed to apartheid and everything that it represents in the current system in South Africa. He expressed concern that the University take a position in what he deems to be essentially a political issue. He quoted a letter from Professor Jacob Levenson, former Chair of the Proxy Advisory Committee as follows: "Especially on the most urgent question the need to preserve objectivity and neutrality precludes the University from institutionally taking a political position. It remains our conviction that any policy designed to affect the government and society of South Africa should be arrived at by the political process." Mr. Middleditch said that he agreed with the statement. He said he did not want a future Board of Visitors, when they are having to address what he deems to be another sensitive political issue, feel bound by the decision of this Board without knowing that at least there was dissent

based on reasons stated. He advised that he would vote against the resolution.