Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1970 [PAGE 39]

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1968]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

39

budget request as submitted, including an amendment to transfer the request for television equipment as indicated. The motion was unanimously approved. BUSINESS- PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY The Board considered the following reports and recommendations from the President of the University.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Copies of the President's report on selected topics of current interest were distributed at the meeting, and a copy was filed with the Secretary of the Board.

THE STUDENT DISTURBANCE OF SEPTEMBER 9 , 19 6 8 (1) President Henry introduced the subject of the student disturbance of September 9 at the Urbana campus, noting that since the event the administrative officers had attempted to keep the Trustees informed by means of telephone and written memoranda. H e suggested that the subject could not be fully considered at the present meeting, inasmuch as disciplinary procedures were involved and the results not yet known. He stated that a full report would be provided the Trustees as soon as possible. Mr. Swain expressed the Board's concern and deplored the behavior of those involved. H e announced that he had appointed a subcommittee of Trustees to develop a position statement for the Board to consider. (The members of the subcommittee were Messrs. Hughes, Clement, Grimes, and Jones.) Mr. Jones presented the subcommittee's statement and asked for the concurrence of the Board in its adoption. Mr. Williamson moved that the statement be adopted. The text is as follows: In view of the unfortunate events in the Mini Union at Urbana on September 9 and the seriousness of the incident, and our conviction that the people of Illinois should clearly understand the views of the Trustees, it is believed that the following general comments are in order: It is clear that a disturbance of this nature required prompt action, and it is clear that prompt action was in fact taken. It is evident that the police were well prepared to deal with such matters, fairly and effectively, and the Trustees are appreciative of the high degree of professional responsibility that characterized the action of the police. In view of previous actions of the Trustees and the University administration, there can be no uncertainty, within the University community or outside of it, that the Board of Trustees considers acts of violence, disruption, and interference with the rights of others to be wholly antagonistic to the spirit and purpose of the University of Illinois. Such actions constitute unacceptable behavior on the part of any University student or member of the faculty and staff. It is equally true that the principle of due process and the maintenance of procedures guaranteeing equitable treatment for all who are charged with such behavior are constitutional precepts by which this University must continue to be operated. The Trustees do not expect on the one hand that illegal acts will be tolerated; neither on the other hand do they expect that those who are accused of such acts will receive capricious judgment. Therefore, the Board heartily endorses the firm yet fair statement of the Urbana Senate Committee on Student Discipline which provides guidance for the disciplinary procedure now in process. The Trustees firmly believe that the "Project 500" at the Urbana campus, and a similar undertaking at the Chicago Circle campus, are worthy of the continued support of the University and of the people of Illinois. These constitute ambitious efforts to make significant institutional contributions to the education of young people who have not heretofore received the full attention of American society. These efforts must be continued and they must succeed, but it is obvious that incidents such as the one under review can place these programs and their potential for success in jeopardy. We understand that a considerable number of the students participating in "Project 500" were in no way involved in the disturbance of September 9; the degree of involvement of several others will be determined by the investigation now