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

70_05_20_Roth01

Kent State Shootings at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University 70_05_20_Roth01

TEI Letters

2017 Mathew Sweet Created the initial version of the article
2017 Mathew Sweet Converted to TEI
Richard E. Roth Ohio May 20, 1970 William T. Jerome
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RICHARD E. ROTH, C.L.U.
Registered Representative
5800 MONROE STREET . SYLVANIA, OHIO 43560 . TEL: 882-1841

May 20, 1970

Dr. William T. Jerome III, President
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402

Dear Dr. Jerome:

I am writing to express my concern and dismay over the "New
University curriculum" that appeared in the BG News on May 14,
1970
. I, of course, do not understand all of the circumstances
surrounding the use of the University in the curriculum that is
outlined in this newspaper. However, I must say that I am most
appalled to think that our universities that are being supported,
not only by my tax money, but in this particular case as a member
of the President's Club, would have a part in such rubbish. I
can appreciate that the youth of this country do have in many
respects a great deal of concern over what is happening and they
also deserve some voice in the operation of not only our univer-
sities, but in the running of our government.

I cannot, however, allow my name to be associated with and I
quote "The Technique of Revolution and Violence." In fact, I
am not even going to reiterate the rest of the courses since
some of their language and subject matter is what I consider
below myself.

I am wondering if you can or will take the time to write and
explain to me why the University is allowing its name and its
facilities to be used in this light. I am seriously considering
the termination of my membership in the President's Club since
it is quite obvious to me that the University has either lost
control of the situation or if you do condone this type of
study course, then I do not wish to be associated in any way,
shape or form.

I am very sorry to see the circumstances that are existing on
your campus because I do believe that in the period that you
have benbeen President you have done much to help foster a better
image. It is a shame that this had to happen just prior to your
leaving.

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Page 2.

I am quite concerned and disgruntled over the entire circum-
stances that surround all of the events that have happened, not
only on your campus, but on all university campuses. I do
believe that this is a conspiracy which is being led, but I do
not believe that it can be corrected by cow-cowingkowtowing to a few
radicals that seem to think they can control and influence the
majority. I hope that you can enlighten me to your thinking
and reasoning behind some of the questions that I have asked.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Roth, C.L.U.
RER/dk
cc: Mr. Eugene Wilson
Bowling Green State University
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June 2, 1970

Mr. Richard E. Roth
1756 Cherrylawn
Toledo, Ohio 43614


Dear Dick:

Your letter of May 20 is one of many which I have received concerning
the "May Crisis" on this and other campuses. The pile of letters is so great
that it is impossible for me to answer you at length. I have seen Gene Wilson’s
reply to you and you will also be receiving a supplement to our Alumni News
both of which may explain some of the dimensions of the problems which con-
cern you.

My greatest disappointment in the sentiments which you expressed in
your letter is the fact that you were not present for the Presidents Club occasion
several weeks ago. Had you been here you might have gotten a far better under-
standing of what is involved as well as the issues at stake. You see, Dick,
most adults do not realize that they have been living in something of a fool's
paradise in that without a quick concerted effort by all of us our environment and,
therefore, our quality of life is apt to be diluted to such an extent that the kind
of world which you and I are accustomed to simply won't be available for our
children. Somehow they sense the emergency much better than we and are resort-
ing to all kinds of annoying practices to get our attention. I do not in any sense
condone these practices but I am sympathetic with the sense of frustration which
many of our young are expressing.

You suggested that it was a shame that some of these events took place
just as I was leaving. Actually I believe it was a good thing for the University
that a crisis situation arose when it did. Since I was leaving, I was much freer
to make decisions in what I hope is a long-run interest of the University and of
our society. In some ways Bowling Green achieved remarkable success in the way
it responded to the crisis. Thus even though I leave somewhat tired and discouraged,
I also leave in the belief that we have a fine university with the promise of becom-
ing yet a better one.

Unlike you, I do not believe that there is any "conspiracy." I also think
that we oversimplify the problem if we believe that there are a few radicals at
the seat of all our troubles. The simple truth is, Dick, that you and others should

Mr. Richard E. Roth

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Page 2
June 2, 1970

be grateful that our universities are serving momentarily as a safety valve for
the frustration existing in our great nation. We are bearing the brunt of a dis-
content which, hopefully, our political and business leaders will have the skill
to counter by positive actions within the next year or so. If they do not have
such skill, then the winds of change will become a gale.

What you do in terms of your membership in the Presidents Club is cer-
tainly a matter for your own conscience. I think, however, that you should be
grateful for the opportunity to have close ties with a university that can give you
insights into a changing nation. Of course, you and I may not like these changes
but since we cannot stop them we had better be sure that they are well directed.
At times like this we need the help and support of people like you more than
ever. In any event, I am grateful to you for your past support and wish you well
in the days ahead which I know will be trying ones for all of us.

Cordially,

Wm. Travers Jerome III
President

WTJ:da

cc: Mr. Eugene R. Wilson