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Student protests, 1972-1973

1972-03-07 University Memorandum from University President Willard L. Boyd Page 2

-2-
attend class as scheduled. During the past 2 1/2 years I have repeatedly refused to cancel classes when called upon to do so by those who have -- usually with complete sincerity -- urged such cancellations as a means of demonstrating concern for various causes.
This protection of the right to learn, the right to teach, the right to speak and be heard, is fundamental and must not be abused. But it can only be sustained if all of us act to sustain it, no matter how much we might disagree with or despise the views held by a particular speaker. In the final analysis there is no rational way to deal with people in large numbers who are either unwilling or determined not to abide by rational rules of behavior toward others. In such an atmosphere, such concepts as free speech and academic freedom quickly become hollow phrases. This is the problem of educational snd civic authorities alike in these times. This is why we truly need the help of all, from the campus, the city and the state, to sustain those important ideals against those who have perhaps temporarily set them aside, or, in some cases, apparently hold them meaningless.

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-2- attend class as scheduled. During the past 2 1/2 years I have repeatedly refused to cancel classes when called upon to do so by those who have -- usually with complete sincerity -- urged such cancellations as a means of demonstrating concern for various causes. This protection of the right to learn, the right to teach, the right to speak and be heard, is fundamental and must not be abused. But it can only be sustained if all of us act to sustain it, no matter how much we might disagree with or despise the views held by a particular speaker. In the final analysis there is no rational way to deal with people in large numbers who are either unwilling or determined not to abide by rational rules of behavior toward others. In such an atmosphere, such concepts as free speech and academic freedom quickly become hollow phrases. This is the problem of educational snd civic authorities alike in these times. This is why we truly need the help of all, from the campus, the city and the state, to sustain those important ideals against those who have perhaps temporarily set them aside, or, in some cases, apparently hold them meaningless.