• Transcribe
  • Translate

University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970

1970-05-12 Daily Iowan Article: ""UI Strikers Protest ROTC, Indochinese War""

More information
  • digital collection
  • archival collection guide
  • transcription tips
 
Saving...
DI May 12, 1970 UI Strikers Protest ROTC, Indochinese War The effect of a University-wide strike of classes by students was difficult to determine Monday. The strike appeared to be having little effect on students still attending classes, but it was reported that most students were attending classes to check course grades with instructors. The strike was called Sunday by the Strike Steerig Committee (SSC), composed of students opposing ROTC on campus and the expansion of the war in Indochina. Picketers appeared early Monday morning on the Pentacrest, in front of Phillips Hall, the Communications Center, and the Field House. Students crossing picket lines were asked if they supported the strike and then were given anti-war leaflets. One member of the Strike Committee reported that as far as that organization was concerned the strike was a "success." At an SSC meeting Sunday in the Union Main Lounge, one member, Harvey Sadow, G, Iowa City, read the committee's list of demands, which were: "U.S. out of INdochina now. "An end to all political repression. "An end to all racist arttacks on black people, especially the Black Panther Party, and an end to sexism (the exploitation of women). "The abolishment of ROTC and all military recruitment on this campus. "The punishment, by law, of police who assaulted students, especially the police who shot at the four blacks. "The granting of amnesty for all persons protesting America's aggressive war in Southeast Asia. "The Tuesday, May 12, meeting of the Faculty Senate on the status of ROTC must have 10 student representatives. Roll call vote must be published. "All University employees affected by the strike be paid for lost wages." Sunday night the Strike Committee issued a statement: "It must be emphasized that individual students need not agree with the demands in their entirety in order to support or honor the strike effort; but should realize that each of the individual demands affects them personally in his or her attempt to secure an education." SSC members were elected at a mass meeting Saturday. They are: Bruce Clark, A2, Iowa City; John Johnson, A3, Des Moines; Dale McCormick, A4E, Sigourney; Ben McGilmer, A4, Detroit, Mich.; Bob Johnson, A1, Cedar Rapids; Debbie Gore, A2, Chicago, Ill.; Don Anderson, B4, Coralville; Steve Ford, A1, Des Moines; Joe Berry, A3, Des Moines; Nancy Nikodin, A1, Ely; and Jeff Portnoy, A1, Omaha, Neb. A number of campus organizations have issued statements in line with the strike and related aspects of it. A joint council of Panhellenic and Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) met with SSC representatives Monday and issued the following statement: "We do support a non-violent, non-obstructive, informational strike." The ASsociated Residence Halls (RH) unanimously approved a resolution urging the dormitory administration to be lenient in enforcing the 24 hour [illegible] dorm residents must be out of the building 24 hours after taking one of Boyd's three options). The Daily Iowan learned Monday night that dormitory residents taking one of the three options offered by Boyd may not rent dormitory rooms for the remainder of the term. It had previously been reported that residents could stay in the dormitories by renting their rooms for $2 a night. The information was released through the office of Gerald Burke, men's residence halls director.
 
Campus Culture