DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970 | May 1970: A Special Report from The University of Iowa Page 2

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University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970

May 1970: A Special Report from The University of Iowa Page 2

[photo]
Sampling the President's Mail
The May demonstrations at Iowa prompted scores of parents, alumni and other citizens to send letters, cards, and telegrams to President Willard L. Boyd, offering praise, criticism, scorn and sympathy. 
The following excerpts give some indication of the variety in Boyd's recent mail:
[italicized] Dear Pres. Boyd:
As I'm concerned with my son's safety and well-being, please close the college for this year. 
Thank you.
AS A PARENT OF STUDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, REQUEST YOU DO NOT GIVE IN TO DEMANDS FOR CLOSING COLLEGE.
Thank you for what can only be superhuman efforts in keeping the University open. I am solidly behind your policy and share your convictions on the agony and frustrations of these young people. 
[bolded] I suppose you cannot help having these animals on campus. But to give in to them invites more of the same.
I congratulate you on keeping the University open the rest of the year and not letting those Thugs of the campus run your office. 
[Italicized] It's unbelievable that the governor of the state feared to visit your campus or that ROTC cannot conduct their drills as they see fit. When I was young, church, school and parents stood shoulder to shoulder against lawlessness of any description. 
When leaders lack moral fibre, the mob dominates. Law-abiding men everywhere must be threatened by your lack of courage. 
[bolded] Thank God at least one college president still has some guts. 
We are bringing our daughter home Wednesday because she and we are too grief-stricken at the course our nation has taken to concentrate on our work. 
[bolded] Our two daughters attend the University. At this writing, one favors demonstrating and the other enjoys it. They have both been appraised of our thoughts against it. 
I don't know whether my daughter is one of the agitators or not. I sincerely hope not, but if she is, it would not change my view that those who disrupt University life should be expelled. 
[Italicized] If people in our age group had done some protesting fifteen or twenty years ago, our nation would not be in this state of unrest. We pray that you will find the way to deal with the problems facing you and that the campus will again be used by the students who deserve and want an education.

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[photo] Sampling the President's Mail The May demonstrations at Iowa prompted scores of parents, alumni and other citizens to send letters, cards, and telegrams to President Willard L. Boyd, offering praise, criticism, scorn and sympathy. The following excerpts give some indication of the variety in Boyd's recent mail: [italicized] Dear Pres. Boyd: As I'm concerned with my son's safety and well-being, please close the college for this year. Thank you. AS A PARENT OF STUDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, REQUEST YOU DO NOT GIVE IN TO DEMANDS FOR CLOSING COLLEGE. Thank you for what can only be superhuman efforts in keeping the University open. I am solidly behind your policy and share your convictions on the agony and frustrations of these young people. [bolded] I suppose you cannot help having these animals on campus. But to give in to them invites more of the same. I congratulate you on keeping the University open the rest of the year and not letting those Thugs of the campus run your office. [Italicized] It's unbelievable that the governor of the state feared to visit your campus or that ROTC cannot conduct their drills as they see fit. When I was young, church, school and parents stood shoulder to shoulder against lawlessness of any description. When leaders lack moral fibre, the mob dominates. Law-abiding men everywhere must be threatened by your lack of courage. [bolded] Thank God at least one college president still has some guts. We are bringing our daughter home Wednesday because she and we are too grief-stricken at the course our nation has taken to concentrate on our work. [bolded] Our two daughters attend the University. At this writing, one favors demonstrating and the other enjoys it. They have both been appraised of our thoughts against it. I don't know whether my daughter is one of the agitators or not. I sincerely hope not, but if she is, it would not change my view that those who disrupt University life should be expelled. [Italicized] If people in our age group had done some protesting fifteen or twenty years ago, our nation would not be in this state of unrest. We pray that you will find the way to deal with the problems facing you and that the campus will again be used by the students who deserve and want an education.