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United Campus Ministry papers, 1970-1972

1971-06-17 Correspondence to Governor Robert Ray Page 1

707 Melrose Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
June 17, 1971

Governor Robert Ray
Governor's Office
The State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa

Dear Governor Ray:

We, as Campus Ministers and clergy at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, wish to commend you for your action in assigning Highway Patrol to the University area during the days of "unrest" this spring.

The presence of the State Highway Patrol, we believe, was a decisive factor in the return of order and peace to the Campus. As was the case in 1970, the conduct of the State Highway Patrol was highly professional and gained the respect and admiration of the larger campus community. Especially to be commended was the pattern of their moving about the campus, informally, in a non-threatening manner, and engaging in conversation and dialogue with students and others. We deeply regret the injuries that occurred, and wish a complete and speedy recovery to all persons.

We have been working in numerous ways to try and improve relations between the civic and University community, especially in the areas where there is enmity and some alienation. Though we have not had marked success in improving communications and understanding, still we are continuing to try. Efforts undertaken during the past months include:
- a study of the Scranton Commission report, with recommendations for local implementation.
- efforts to persuade Police Chief McCarney to desist from making derogatory and provocative statements about the University and students.
- informal discussions with civic, business and University-related persons concerning issues that give rise to tensions: housing, the injunction, etc.
- maintenance of an INFORMATION AND RUMOR CONTROL CENTER which was activated during the crisis periods to assist persons in obtaining accurate information and to help in countering the panic effect of false rumors.
- helping with an ad hoc committee of interested citizens in attempting to get at SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE established within the community, which would seek to deal with basic causes of unrest and seek ways and means of effecting reconciliation and change.

Recommendations which we offer for your consideration include:
1. The establishment of a firm agreement among all law enforcement entities in this area (Campus Security, City Police, County Sheriff, State Highway Patrol) regarding operational procedures in case of campus unrest. (The "gentlemen's agreement" which we understand exists, allows for the possibility

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707 Melrose Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240 June 17, 1971 Governor Robert Ray Governor's Office The State Capitol Des Moines, Iowa Dear Governor Ray: We, as Campus Ministers and clergy at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, wish to commend you for your action in assigning Highway Patrol to the University area during the days of "unrest" this spring. The presence of the State Highway Patrol, we believe, was a decisive factor in the return of order and peace to the Campus. As was the case in 1970, the conduct of the State Highway Patrol was highly professional and gained the respect and admiration of the larger campus community. Especially to be commended was the pattern of their moving about the campus, informally, in a non-threatening manner, and engaging in conversation and dialogue with students and others. We deeply regret the injuries that occurred, and wish a complete and speedy recovery to all persons. We have been working in numerous ways to try and improve relations between the civic and University community, especially in the areas where there is enmity and some alienation. Though we have not had marked success in improving communications and understanding, still we are continuing to try. Efforts undertaken during the past months include: - a study of the Scranton Commission report, with recommendations for local implementation. - efforts to persuade Police Chief McCarney to desist from making derogatory and provocative statements about the University and students. - informal discussions with civic, business and University-related persons concerning issues that give rise to tensions: housing, the injunction, etc. - maintenance of an INFORMATION AND RUMOR CONTROL CENTER which was activated during the crisis periods to assist persons in obtaining accurate information and to help in countering the panic effect of false rumors. - helping with an ad hoc committee of interested citizens in attempting to get at SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE established within the community, which would seek to deal with basic causes of unrest and seek ways and means of effecting reconciliation and change. Recommendations which we offer for your consideration include: 1. The establishment of a firm agreement among all law enforcement entities in this area (Campus Security, City Police, County Sheriff, State Highway Patrol) regarding operational procedures in case of campus unrest. (The "gentlemen's agreement" which we understand exists, allows for the possibility