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

70_06_01_Price

Kent State Shootings at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University 70_06_01_Price

TEI Letters

2017 Mathew Sweet Created the initial version of the article
2017 Mathew Sweet Converted to TEI
Anne and Warren Price Ohio June 1, 1970 William T. Jerome
facsimile image
16 Crestwood Road
Coming, N. Y. 14830


June 1, 1970

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

Dear Dr. Jerome:

We want to thank you for the letter of May 11th to parents from you
and the three members of the B.G.S.U.Bowling Green State University faculty and students and also for
the enclosed letter from Bowling Green Mayor F. Gus Skibbie. Although no
response to your joint letter was requested or necessary, we might have
responded sooner but for the indicated ’more detailed view’ to be mailed
within a week — which we have not received.

In any case, we do want to make several brief comments on the current
national situation and the profound effect it is having on the conduct and
operation of institutions of higher learning.

First, we are very much aware and appreciative of the facts that many
universities in Ohio and elsewhere have been closed completely for at least
short periods during the spring terra while B.G.S.U.Bowling Green State University has not.

Second, we understand that there exists at most, if not all, universi-
ties today a minority of students who are confused and concerned about the
undeclared war in southeast Asia and who feel some non-violent protest is
in order. It is unfortunate that the desire to protest on the part of
these students parallels that of the tiny minority of ultra-radical leftists
who prefer violent protest and who often provoke violence during marches
and rallies which are intended by their organizers to be peaceful.

Third, we agree that some attempt must be made to preserve the right
of these minorities to peaceful protest.

Fourth, we feel very strongly that this right of minorities to protest
must somehow be kept from infringing the right of the majority to continue
their studies uninterrupted and unhampered. We can see that, with your
optional New University plan, you are working along these lines.

However, we are gravely concerned, as we know you must be, with what
is to happen in the future. The ever-more-unreliable news media would have
us believe that two-week moratoria, or leaves of absence, are being given
wide consideration for the fall term to allow students time to campaign for
candidates of their choice. While we realize that optional programs must
be difficult to organize and administer, we sincerely hope that even a
majority of students will never succeed in closing B.G.S.U.Bowling Green State University and in forcing
students who want to continue their regular schedule of studies to stop.

We believe you are trying to do the very best you can under very
difficult circumstances and, as parents, we thank you for your efforts.

Very truly yours,

Anne M. Price
Warren L. Price
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June 16, 1970

Mr. and Mrs. Warren L. Price
16 Crestwood Road
Coming, N. Y. 14830


Dear Mr. and Mrs. Price:

Thank you for your very thoughtful letter. Your confidence
is tremendously encouraging to me and I cannot tell you how
refreshing I find the openness and understanding which some of
our parents share in common with you.

I am certain by this time you have received your copy of
the insert to our Alumni Newsletter which was delayed due to
publishing difficulties.

In connection with your concern about the two-week moratorium,
sometimes referred to as the "Princeton Plan," our Academic
Council
has not thus far been favorably disposed. If a few students,
however, feel strongly committed to working for the candidates of
their choice, some provisions may be made on an individual basis.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write.

Cordially,

Wm. Travers Jerome III
President