Tuesday, April 7, 1970 The University of Kansas—Lawrence, Kansas
80th Year, No.108
Court upholds validity of election
The University Student Court last night ruled in a three to two decision that a repeal of the student body elections by Tim Miller, Wichita graduate student is
not warranted and that the graduate school election is valid.
The original complaint, contesting the validity of the elections, was made against the
Photo by Ron Bishop
Exhibit features freshman art
Two and three dimensional art forms are being shown in an exhibit on the third floor of Strong Hall which features the work of KU freshmen art students. The exhibit, titled "Freshman Foundation" will last through next week. (See related story on page 3)
Student Senate Elections Committee; David Awbrey, Hutchinson senior and student body president; Rick Von Ende, Abilene, Tex. graduate student and official of the Student Senate Executive Committee; the Student Senate, and other committees and individuals involved in the elections.
Miller charged the Student Senate Elections Committee violated its own regulations by extending the March 2 deadline for filing for the elections thus committing a fraud.
The defense represented by Steve Joseph, Wichita law student countered the complaint by suggesting a mistake was made in the University Daily Kansan when the original list of candidates appeared on March 3 and later on March 10, and that all 16 names of the Graduate School candidates were submitted on time.
A question arose on the exact number of seats to be filled in the Graduate School, David R. Miller, Hays senior and Elections Committee co-chairman, said the original number was thought to be 15 seats by a count of the graduate school enrollment from last semester.
Another question brought out in the testimony pertained to the wording of an advertisement which appeared in the Kansan before the filing deadline. The ad stated all names must be filed in the Student Senate office "prior to" March 2. The court decided this was in error because this was understood by those concerned to be "by" March 2.
The final decision of the court stated Miller's fraud accusation was not warranted because there is nothing written which requires publication of the names on the (Continued to page 8)
Vote
Voting on the student referendums will be held today from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Strong Hall rotunda and in the Kansas Union lobby. Students may vote at Gertrude Sellards Pearson, Oliver and Ellsworth Halls from 7 to 10 p.m.
UDK News Roundup
By United Press International
Quake hits Manila
MANILA-An earthquake equal in intensity to one that killed 315 persons 20 months ago in Manila hit the city today, causing widespread damage and panic but light casualties.
Panicky office workers quickly left their buildings in downtown Manila and were told by police to stay away from tall structures for fear they might collapse. Many sported gaping cracks.
Newspapers may strike
NEW YORK—A shutdown of New York's major newspapers appeared today to be a strong possibility. Labor Mediator Theodore W. Kheel said the papers and the 10 unions involved were "miles apart."
BULLETIN
The following is a prepared statement released from the Chancellor's office this morning:
We are on the eve of a day that could distinguish, or severely damage, the University of Kansas. Freedom of speech has been challenged by those who would prevent a Col. Mohr, a Professor Velvel or a Abbie Hoffman from presenting peaceably his point of view. Freedom of speech is threatened as severely by rude interruption or intimidation as it is by those who would ban controversial speakers from this campus. Tomorrow we will determine whether freedom of speech will prevail or be replaced by disruption and subsequent repression. Only extremists of either persuasion would be served by the latter. Their expectations will be denied if each of us quietly pursues his freedom to attend class, to assemble peaceably and to permit those who speak to be heard by those who choose to listen. That after all, is the essence of a great university.
E. Laurence Chalmers Jr.
Chancellor of the University
Strike challenged
The Student Senate Executive Committee (SenEx) and the KU chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) expressed agreement with the statement made Monday by Chancellor E. Laurence Chalmers opposing the proposed Wednesday student strike.
The SenEx statement, issued by the majority of the committee, said:
"We are forced to ask this question: Why have a strike? There are several possible answers. First, a large number of students and faculty may not be aware of the true situation. Second, it may be that some of the 'strike organizers' are trying to get publicity, impress Abbie Hoffman, polarize the Board of Regents and the state from the University, and create a situation which could result in the election of Senator Reynolds Shultz, R-Lawrence, to the governorship."
The "true situation" as expressed in the SenEx statement is that the University's recommendations concerning the promotions of Lawrence Velvel, associate law professor, and Frederick Litto, assistant professor of speech, will be honored by the Kansas Board of Regents.
"The University and the governance system have effectively worked up to this point, and we have no
doubt that the Board will approve the promotions of Velvel and Litto."
"There are those who seek to shut down the University just for the hell of it," it continued.
The statement urges students not to participate in any activity that would "be without cause and that could destroy the University by turning it into an armed camp." It is signed by Bill Ebert, Topeka junior and student body president-elect; Greg Thomas, Shawnee Mission sophomore and newly-elected student body vice-president; Peter George, Tuckahoe, N.Y. law student and chairman of SenEx; Rick von Ende, Abilene, Texas, graduate student and SenEx vice-chairman; and Philip Weiss, Philadelphia, Pa. graduate student.
Opposition is based on the official AAUP attitude found in the Statement on Faculty Participation in Strikes approved by the National AAUP Council for publication in April, 1968.
It emphasizes that the objectives—"promotions based upon accepted academic standards, free from political or other extrinsic pressures, and judgments as to academic proficiency made by competent University authority—can and should be accomplished by negotiation and rational discussion."
Copies of a letter from the University Theatre stunt to the Chancellor, in support of Litto's nomination for promotion, were "unauthorized" in their use, said Jed
The mimeographed sheets were "unclear" and made it appear as if the University Theatre staff supported the strike and protest rally, Davis said.
Davis, professor of speech and drama and director of the Theatre.
In statements issued Monday night the strike committee said they "refuse to accept the Chancellor's statement," but they also cautioned students against any action that would give the Regents an excuse to deny the promotions.
"Our goal," the statement said, "is to draw support for Velvet and Litto from the students and show that support to the Regents.
"This support will be demonstrated by a boycott or classes, picket lines in front of buildings, a rally in front of Strong Hall and free music at Potter Lake.
"Persons who look for some confrontation should note that Abbie Hoffman will be on campus and any action might lead to his being charged with crossing state lines to incite riots," the statement said.
The procedures and criteria used by the University in judging faculty members were questioned by the strike committee after 110 faculty members were promoted. Only Velvel and Litto were not promoted.
"The issue was not procedure," the committee said, "but academic freedom and freedom of expression."
"The proposed strike is not contrary to any provi-
(Continued to page 8)
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