DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970 | 1970-05-11 Iowa City Press-Citizen Article: ""Statement By Boyd""

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University of Iowa anti-war protests, 1970

1970-05-11 Iowa City Press-Citizen Article: ""Statement By Boyd""

ICPC p-C
11 May 1970, p. 3A
Statement by Boyd
Following is the statement issued Sunday by University of Iowa President Willard L. Boyd in which he states that UI will not be closed:
Classes at The University of Iowa will be held as usual on Monday and through the close of the final examination period Tuesday, May 26.
In light of recent events and the tense emotional situation on campus, however, a number of students, fearing for their safety, have expressed the wish to return home. Their concern on this score has been heightened by the circulation of an incredible number of rumors throughout the university community, and it does not seem likely that their fears will diminish quickly.
Those who wish to return home may do so without penalty.
But before they leave, the university will need a clear indication of their choice of:
1. Completing their work at a later date;
2. Accepting a "pass" or "withdraw" grade, or
3. Accepting a grade based on the work completed through May 3.
For further information on how to exercise this choice, and a simple form for doing so, is available to University of Iowa students in all university residence halls, the Mayflower Hall, and Iowa Memorial Union.
I have been urged by a number of concerned students to close the university at once as a means of expressing the opposition of the university community to the war in Vietnam. I sympathize greatly with those who condemn the war, but I can not make the university the political agent of any group, no matter how much I might personally condemn recent actions in Southeast Asia.
For those who would say that the military intervention in Cambodia is an important symbol at this time, I must respond that learning in a free society is an equally important symbol. If the university were to give in to force at this time, a great principle would be lost. This principle embodies the notion that the continued access to learning and the services of the University for all who want them should be maintained.
No one group within the community has the right to impose its will upon the rest of the community and thus preclude others from obtaining the university services to which they are entitled.
The university must represent the interests of all, no matter what their stand on the war. We cannot compromise on that issue.
The university will, therefore, remain open and its usual academic functions will be maintained. everything possible will be done to secure the safety of all members of the university community and university facilities.

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ICPC p-C 11 May 1970, p. 3A Statement by Boyd Following is the statement issued Sunday by University of Iowa President Willard L. Boyd in which he states that UI will not be closed: Classes at The University of Iowa will be held as usual on Monday and through the close of the final examination period Tuesday, May 26. In light of recent events and the tense emotional situation on campus, however, a number of students, fearing for their safety, have expressed the wish to return home. Their concern on this score has been heightened by the circulation of an incredible number of rumors throughout the university community, and it does not seem likely that their fears will diminish quickly. Those who wish to return home may do so without penalty. But before they leave, the university will need a clear indication of their choice of: 1. Completing their work at a later date; 2. Accepting a "pass" or "withdraw" grade, or 3. Accepting a grade based on the work completed through May 3. For further information on how to exercise this choice, and a simple form for doing so, is available to University of Iowa students in all university residence halls, the Mayflower Hall, and Iowa Memorial Union. I have been urged by a number of concerned students to close the university at once as a means of expressing the opposition of the university community to the war in Vietnam. I sympathize greatly with those who condemn the war, but I can not make the university the political agent of any group, no matter how much I might personally condemn recent actions in Southeast Asia. For those who would say that the military intervention in Cambodia is an important symbol at this time, I must respond that learning in a free society is an equally important symbol. If the university were to give in to force at this time, a great principle would be lost. This principle embodies the notion that the continued access to learning and the services of the University for all who want them should be maintained. No one group within the community has the right to impose its will upon the rest of the community and thus preclude others from obtaining the university services to which they are entitled. The university must represent the interests of all, no matter what their stand on the war. We cannot compromise on that issue. The university will, therefore, remain open and its usual academic functions will be maintained. everything possible will be done to secure the safety of all members of the university community and university facilities.