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

70_06_12_Warner

Kent State Shootings at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University 70_06_12_Warner

TEI Letters

2017 Mathew Sweet Created the initial version of the article
2017 Mathew Sweet Converted to TEI
H.H. Warner Ohio June 4, 1970 William T. Jerome
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Arlington, Ohio
June 4, 1970

Mr. Novice G. Fawcett
Mr. William Jerome III

Gentlemen:

After reading the papers this week am I to believe that the
Presidents of our State Universities support the rioting and
destruction of property that is going on at our universities?
I was appalled at the attitude displayed by the presidents at
the recent hearing on legislative matters before the Ohio Assembly.

I am an honest, hardworking ,religious and a taxpaying citizen.
My three brothers,myself and my two children have graduated from
Ohio State University. I have been proud of my Alma Mater in the
past. To dayToday I am somewhat ashamed of it.

Mr. Jerome, the papers reported that one of your instructors did
his "thing" by disrobing in front of the class. There are institu-
tions for that type of individual and it is not our tax supported
universities.

Mr. Fawcett, why should a group of green banded professors be allow-
ed to interfere and sing "Ring Around Rosie" in the midst of the
R.O.T.C.Reserve Officers' Training Corps at their parade on May 4, 1970? Are you not concerned
about the sex relations being displayed on the campus, the conduct
of the students against the National Guard and the other law en-
forcement officers?

It appears that the both of you are condoning such actions. The time
has come for we, the taxpayers, to speak and be recognized. You
have allowed these anarchists to rule the thousands of good students
and deprive them of their education. This small group engaged in
such activities and the professors that are in sympathy with them
should be dismissed at once. At this time I would hate to think
that some presidents should be replaced also. You have had your
opportunity to clean up this mess which is a disgrace to our state.
So far you have failed,.

Let those in our state who can, do this job; and with your cooperation.

Sincerely,

H.H. Warner
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June 12, 1970

Mr. H. H. Warner
Arlington
Ohio


Dear Mr. Warner:

Thank you for your letter of June 4 addressed to both President Fawcett
and to me. Since I was not at the hearings, I do not know what attitudes you
are objecting to.

The disrobing incident which you mentioned was an unfortunate one and
I do not condone it. The event was not well reported, however. The so-called
"instructor" was a student. The so-called "class" was simply a voluntary ses-
sion in what students call the "New University."

I share your concern about campus disturbances. There are at least
two points, however, which should be made:

1. Our society is probably fortunate in having universities as a safety
valve. Much of what has happened on our campuses otherwise would take
place in the streets of our cities since many people are upset by our society's
continued failure to attack the problems of poverty, discrimination and war.

2. Too many persons are trying to find excuses for their shortcomings
as parents or citizens by blaming disturbances on the few who are exploiting
those who want to get their education. In my opinion this is a superficial
analysis of what is happening and obscures the magnitude of the problems
facing the nation.

Again, let me express my appreciation for your taking the trouble to
write. I do share your concern as I said before. Much of what is happening on
our campuses, however, is good and should lead to better universities in the
future and a stronger America.

Cordially,

Wm. Travers Jerome III
President

WTJ:da

cc: President Novice Fawcett