George -

I hope more people will write about their memories of and experiences in the 1970 demonstrations at UVA. For selfish reasons: I shall be writing about them and other aspects of movements for change in the university in the 60s and 70s.

The Assembly of Professors, in one of its rare meetings, condemned the killings at Kent State and Jackson State and Edgar Shannon's condemnation of the bombing of Cambodia marked a major turning point in his career. His remarks on the Lawn, including his criticism of Senator Byrd, aroused the ire of Virginia's conservative establishment. Fortunately for him and for the University Linwood Holton supported him solidly.

There were, of course, far more than half a dozen "radicals" involved in the anti-war protests and their agreement that the university should not be closed down and that final exams should be made optional distinguished the University's actions from those of the many universities around the country.

Paul Gaston (electronic mail, December 29, 2003)

Editor's Note: See also, May Days 1970: a week of protests at the university of virginia. and also Thomas Breslin's account of student radicalism at the time.