After the Kent State Shootings: Bowling Green State University's Reaction

70_05_09_Whitchurch

Kent State Shootings at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University 70_05_09_Whitchurch

TEI Letters

2017 Mathew Sweet Created the initial version of the article
2017 Mathew Sweet Converted to TEI
Gregory and Patricia Whitchurch Ohio May 9, 1970 William T. Jerome
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May 9, 1970

Dear Dr. Jerome:

We feel that we must finally disengage ourselves from
the ranks of the "Silent Majority" and state our stand on
the issue of student dissent.

One need not be a student to be most absolutely appalled
and horrified at the deaths of four college students. And one
need not assume a position on the questions involved in their
protest to be dismayed and frightened by such a disaster. But,
significant is the fact that at least the preliminary potentials
of this event are not unique.

It seems to us that the question the college president
must answer when confronted with student unrest is whether the
crushing of student demonstrations or riots is worth the life
of a young man or young woman or indeed the life of any human
being. That is, should one ultimately charged with the life
and well being of young men and women request the forceful aid
of men (police and servicemen trained to combat and kill, em-
ploying some of mankind's most lethal weapons) to subdue his
charges? Indeed, would one not be entrusting those lives to
men who are trained to save themselves and destroy their op-
ponents in just such situations? In fact, is not the situation
of armed National Guardsmen on a campus facing debris throwing
young people analogous to that of a hunter, armed only with a
high-powered rifle, hunting a valuable but elusive and dangerous
leopard?

The implications are clear. Had we the exclusive choice
between the life of a human being or the "life" of campus
buildings, we would not hesitate.

Most sincerely,

Gregory and Patricia Whitchurch
318 North Enterprise Street
Bowling Green, Ohio
43402

354-2763
Enclosed is a copy of the letters we sent to our representatives
in Congress.
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June 16, 1970

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Whitchurch
318 North Enterprise Street
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Whitchurch:

Thank you for your letter of May 9 enclosing a copy of yours of
May 15 to various public officials. Clearly your concern over the tragedy
at Kent State
was shared by most persons. Enough has been said about
this tragedy so I think it would be inappropriate for me to say anything
more at this time. It is easy to blame the Governor, the National Guard,
the administration at KentKent State University, students and others. In retrospect, what
took place could easily have been avoided and I hope will be in the future.

Despite the delay in acknowledging your letter, I do want you to
know that I appreciate your writing. I have had so much correspondence
concerning the May events that until commencement was over I have not
been able to respond personally.

Cordially,

Wm. Travers Jerome III
President

WTJ:da