Sevmwty-Third YeAw' EDITED AND MANAGED B1 STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHTGAN UNDER AUTHORITY OF BOARD IN CONTROL OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Where Opinions Are Free STUbENT PUBLICATIONS BLDG., ANN ARBOR, MICH. PHONE NO 2-3241 Trutb Will Prevail"'' ' Editorials printed in The Michigan Daily express the individual opinions of staff writers or the editors. This must be noted in al: reprints. s irk'.. . w a LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: 'U' Principles Shaky In Student Regulations AY, OCTOBER 30, 1963 NIGHT EDITOR: GERALD ST9RCH Miami's 'Free Press' Given Narrow Definition THE RECENT DISMISSAL of the editor of the University of Miami Hurricane shows once again that freedom of the press does not exist on many campuses. The Miami administration strongly stre'ses that the dismissal had no relation to an editorial written by the former edi- tor, Elayne Gilbert. The administration further says her dismissal was merely re- lated to the fact that she did not have enough class hours. However, the timing of the dismissal, the rapidity of the action and the fact that the administration did not like the editorial tend to indicate that the simple reasons given for dismissal do not tell the whole story. MISS, GILBERT wrote an editorial that said that there was only one Negro graduate assistant on campus and that Negroes do not have enough opportunity to, participate in athletic programs. It is also true that the administration felt the editorial created a "false impression," especially since Miami has been com- pletely integrated for a year. She also indicated that there were cer- tain taboo areas that she was not to write on; these included integration and freedom of the press. There is little doubt that university officials were very disturbed by such an editorial. Like most campuses, Miami wants to keep a good image and editors who upset this image are considered dan- gerous to have around. THERE ARE, however, some topics that college editors feel they must speak out on and Miss Gilbert was doing just that. It also is probably true, even though the areas about which she was not to write were unofficially understood, that Miss Gilbert had limited areas to write about. This isprobably the way Miami defines its freedom of the press-nothing that might upset the smooth runnings of the univer- sity or that might create the wrong im- pression. The administration dropped her for the reason that she did not have enough class hours to be editor. The university requires that an editor carry a minimum of 12 class hours to maintain this posi- tion. Miss Gilbert was dropped from two journalism courses last week, because she had been cutting them excessively. It is therefore an open and shut case for dis- missal as far as Miss Gilbert's meeting the basic requirements for being the edi- tor. Yet she also claims that she was told without warning by the paper's adviser (who also taught one of the courses) that she had been dropped from the courses and could no longer be editor. She said that she had an understanding with her professors that she could miss class to work on the paper, and her dismissal as editor came as a complete surprise to her. The whole issue of the class cutting also did not arise until immediately after the editorial had appeared. MIAMI IS NOT UNIQUE in its policy about editorials. Many other college campuses define good journalistic prac- tices as those areas that are apolitical and non-controversial. Consequently, the papers write eritorials on apathy about homecoming, student politics or some similarly bland topic.. Editors who differ from this policy lose their jobs, and usually the administration finds some reason for the dismissal. The definition of a good journalist is one who is technically competent but silent on many thought-provoking and disturb- ing areas. The editor is, in effect, in a powerless position, taking dictates from an adviser who criticizes the final prod- uct and keeps his eye out for troubles that may arise. When an editor decides that he no long- er can keep silent, he realizes that he may lose much by speaking out. Often, how- ever, he decides that to be true to him- self he must go ahead. In the academic world, one believes in being true to one's self intellectually and this same concept must and does apply in the journalistic world. THE CONNECTION between Miss Gil- bert's editorial and her dismissal is too strong to brush off casually. Miss Gilbert was wrong in that student editors have a responsibility to try to remain students. They, too, should attempt to go to class as regularly as possible. She did fail in this responsibility-and this cannot be ig- nored. But it all happened so quickly and was so close on the heels of the editorial that, by the standards of ideal freedom of the press which actually exist on some cam- puses, the administration has probably neatly and conveniently gotten rid of a problem editor. THE VICE-PRESIIENT from Miami I spoke to said this, is not a question of freedom of the student press and that I should not try to make such an issue of the case. But as an editor who cannot easily ig- nore Miss Gilbert's comments, who does have the chance to speak out and who be- lieves that this is not such an open and shut case-I must make a case of it. --BARBARA LAZARUS Personnel Director It r 4 ; t g1-I\ - ~ J'~~ '-4 N4' UNION REPORT: Regents' Statement Inadequate CITYSCOPE: Police Films Justified. By JOHN BRYANT THE RECENT STATEMENT by the Regents on the Union- League Study Committee Report (the Robertson Report) shows some serious inadequacies in thought as well as some basic misinterpretations. Many of these faults are shown up in the Union senior officers' "statement of comparison" of the Rpbertson Report with the Re- gents' statement. The officers' statement was not intended as a criticism of the Regents. It merely restates por- tions of the Robertson Report which correspond to the criticisms that the Regents voiced. FOR INSTANCE, the officers pointed out that the Robertson Report was intended to formulate a general plan for a University Center. The Regents drafted their statement only after talking with some of the members of the Rob- ertson committee and getting their specific ideas as to what a Uni- versity Center would entail. From these discussions they developed an idea of a center that would include a faculty club and a con- ference center. This idea, even though it did conform with the views of some of the members of the Robertson committee, did not necessarily conform with the ideas of the whole committee and was not mentioned in the actual commit- tee report. Thus, the Regents were criticizing only a possible course that could stem from the report, not the report itself. The Robertson committee de- veloped the idea of an implemen- tation committee which would be responsible for converting the broad concepts of the report into specific proposals. Criticism of specific ideas concerning a Uni- versity Center ought to have gone to this committee for discussion rather than being voiced in a statement such as the Regents'. ** * THE UNION OFFICERS also stated that "the inclusion of any other group than the Union and the League (in the University Center) would be at the specific request of that group." Thus, if the faculty chose to establish a faculty center inde- pendent of the University Center, they would be completely free to do so. The University, likewise, would be free to develop a con- ference center outside the Univer- sity Center structure. If the faculty objected to having students play a role in the policy decisions of their organization- the faculty center- they could not be forced to enter into such an arrangement. The Courts TO A LARGE extent the law has always been a conservative force in society. Therefore the courts tend to be conservative- a factor that is reinforced by the, advanced ages of judges and the fact that most lawyers are largelv THE UNION OFFICERS also noted that the Robertson Report had proposed student participa- tion on a University Center Board ( even though the students' rep- resentation would be nostronger than that of the faculty or the alumni which, along with the vice-president for business and finance, would make up the board) with the idea that such a center, serving the entire campus environment, ought to have rep- resentatives from all segments of that environment. The Regents rejected this view in favor of that of several organ- izations directed toward only one goal. HowAver, in doing this the Regents failed to realize that an all-encompassing University Cen- ter would serve to bring students, faculty, administrators and alumni closer together by giving them a common organization to work through. AS FOR the Regents' proposal of merging the student activities organizations of the Union and the League and making them a separate entity, apart from the present organizations, the Union officers noted that "there is no indication . . . as to what would happen to the student members and officers of the Union Board when the student activities be- come separate." It is questionable what would be left of the Union and the League if student activities were removed from their jurisdiction and placed elsewhere. Certainly some better way could be found to merge the student activities functions. * * * FINALLY, the Regents said that space in the Union and League buildings would continue to be provided for student activities as long as this space was being used effectively. The officers' pointed out that the report neither gave a definition of effective use nor told who would determine this definition. If the administration, for ex- ample, were to be given the power to determine the nature of effec- tive use, it might decide that the rooms in the Union or the League could be more effectively used as classrooms than as student activi- ties areas. THUS THE REGENTS have drafted an inadequate reply, limit- ed in scope and lacking in logic. Fortunately, their statement does not represent their final decision on the matter. To the Editor: I N LIGHT of the remarks at- tributed to me in Sunday's Daily, I feel a compulsion to clar- ify and expand my notions of student responsibility fortwhom- ever cares to listen. First of all, I must take respon- sibility for several of the ideas discussed in the news article. Those thoughts which are my per- sonal opinions will be expanded presently. I was somewhat sur- prised to see that my remarks about immorality and academic success were treated in the man- ner in which they were. While not verbatim, the quote is accurate enough to enable me\to stand by it with only two qualifications. First, the "not necessarily" of the previous sentence must carry over into that in which I was quoted as saying that "immoral- ity does not mean poor study habits or absence of education." Secondly, my next statement (un- quoted) established a taste of facetiousness which the article does not convey. I will repeat. I don't think it appropriate to come out for immorality at this time. QUITE SERIOUSLY, I feel quite strongly that this University, and others, operate on many shaky principles in maintaining and en- forcing regulations governing the extra-classroomyconduct"ofrstu- dents. Ostensibly, the University is concerned with stimulating "in each student the maximum per- sonal growth of which he is cap- able and to enable him, through resultant development of character and abilities, to make maximum contributions to society." ("Stan- dards for Students," preface) I would not quarrel with this goal nor impugn the motives of those (officials who seek to make it a reality. But I believe means to attain this end are ill-conceived and unsoundly based. I AM TOLD that I fly, in the face of Judaeo-Christian tradi- tion when I assert my belief that most individuals have had their last opportunity to achieve per- sonal growth before they reach the University. The establishment of standards of morality and social conscience and responsibility is (and should be) the concern of other institutions-churches, ele- mentary and secondary schools, and (most basically) the family. The University, it seems to me, cannot hope to rebuild parental failures and social and moral cripples. It can at best attempt to protect the more innocent of these by establishing rules ap- plicable to the lowest common de- nominator among students-rules which can be circumvented by the less innocent cripples. * * I THIS BRINgS ME to another criticism of University policy. Without reference to actual rules and regulations, the inconsisten- cies in their application and en- forcement seem to indicate that the concern has , shifted from education to public relations. [t would be naive to ignore the fact that the University must cater to the social sensibilities of par- ents, alumni, citizens and legis- lators. The single fact that Uni- versity housemothers have met with shocked and suspicious ques- tions about "mixed halls" (co-ed housing) would lead me to believe that the University has fallen down in its extra-campus educa- tion and public relations. Further, it is the students who are capable of exercising personal responsibility who bear the in- convenience and insult ("four feet on the floor, door ajar")of regulations aimed to help the sub-standard individual and please the public. Residence halls and fraternities and sororities are much more closely regulated with regard to guests and liquor than are apartments. Enforceability is certainly a consideration. But so is visibility to the University's publics. * * * I DON'T WISH to rail about in loco parentis or argue for an- archy. And I must acknowledge that there are those who will in- terpretliberty as license-there always will be. And I will grant the Office of Student Affairs a year of "acculturation" for fresh- men women. But past this point, the Uni- versity should permit and en- courage students to regulate them- selves, collectively or individually. without regard to sex. Let us operate on the assump- tion of responsibility and deal "promptly and vigorously" with those deviants who show lack of discretion and imperil the right of others to exercise their judg- ment. I believe that students should strive for the opportunity to make personal decisions for themselves, and that the Univer- sity should shift the burden of transmitting moral and social values back to parents where it rightfully belongs. I respectfully request agreement or criticism from faculty, parents and administrators, as well as from my fellow students. -Thomas L. Smithson, '65 Sermons . To the Editor: YOUR NEW SERIES of criti- cisms of sermons given in Ann Arbor caught my attention- mainly because of its oddness and the feeling of revulsion it created in me. I have never seen a column of this kind in any other news- paper before, and, fortunately, it is highly unlikely that I ever will again. I really fail to see what purpose it can accomplish other than to antagonize people. The introduction with the first article claims that "intelligence and sensitivity" will be brought to these critiques. On the contrary, to tear apart local ministers for public consumption, I feel, shows extreme insensitivity, the height in poor taste, and a sophomoric, troubled personality. Judging from some of the reactions I have heard and plain common sense, I know that faithful members of a church do not appreciate reading sarcas- tic barbs hurled at their church staff. ** * AND I FRANKLY DOUBT that many, if any Daily readers other than confirmed atheists or sick minds are interested in how ner- vous a particular minister might be, how inadequate he is as a public speaker, or how poorly he interprets the Bible or meets cer- tain literary standards according to Mr. Stoneburner's cynical values. There are many, many lectures and speeches given in Ann Arbor. Surely Mr. Stoneburner could find more appropriate subjects from them if he feels it necessary to continue indulging in a semi- monthly classroom exercise of this type. Probably, the most intel- ligent thing he could do at this time, though, is to ask himself why he, an ordained minister, needs to write an irreligious column. Virginia Rees English .. To the Editor I AM ALWAYS alarmed when I see mistakes in grammar, spell- ing, etc., in print, especially if these errors appear in a news- paper which represents an aca- demic institution with high stand- ards. I usually try to dismiss such slips as typographical, but, when I unfolded my paper this morn- ing (editor's note: Oct. 27) I was immediately struck by a case of gross misusage which can be at- tributed only to the situation best described by the epigram: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." In his attempt to be fancy by using antiquated foris, the per- son who wrote the headline "Whither Goest the University?" might well have checked the third- person-singular ending for verbs. This is, admittedly, a pedantic re- minder, but I hope it is successful in saving our language from such deplorable mishandling. -W. E. Hettrick, Grad f NEW ALIGNMENT? The 30 Year-Cycle In Political Parties VI THE ANN ARBOR branch of the Nation- al Association for the Advancement of Colored People has charged that the po- lice department violated the "privacy of individual demonstrators" by filming var- ious demonstrations. The NAACP claims that pictures of in- dividual demonstrators are "a potential instrument of intimidation and place in police files pictures of citizens who have broken no laws." THIS POSITION is based on two erron- eous foundations. First, taking films of individual demonstrators picketing in full. public view is not a violation of the "pri- vacy of the individual demonstrators." Secondly, and most important, the police department does not go around taking films of demonstrators just to have "a potential instrument of intimidation." As for the rights of the individual dem- onstrators, the NAACP has no argument. The situation is not the same, for exam- ple, as the wire-tap method of obtaining evidence in a manner which may be a violation of individual rights. THE NAACP, in holding pickets and demonstrations, immediately d r a w s public attention. It is in the public eye. As long as the demonstrators are on pub- lic streets and subject to public view, the police are completely justified in taking their pictures. tive and the films strictly for police files. If accusations or charges involving dem- onstrators are brought forward after such a demonstr'ation, then the police can con- sult their picture files, either for identi- fication purposes or for evidence in the case. The practice has been going on for a long time in Ann Arbor. But so far there has never been an instance when the pic- tures were admitted in court as evidence. If a situation did arise in which the films were put before the bench as evidence, they would supply information that in- dividual witnesses may have overlooked. AS TO THE NAACP'S CLAIM that the / pictures can be used by the police as potential instruments of intimidation, the group is on still weaker ground. ' Pictures police take of demonstrations and many other public incidents are placed in what they call a "non-criminal" file. This file comprises approximately 80 per cent of the police department's total file system. Many "innocents" have their pictures in police files and may not even know about it. TO MAINTAIN THE PEACE in Ann Ar- bor it is necessary that the police have a complete understanding of and avail- able reference to incidents affecting the public interest of Ann Arbor. The fact that the department has a high percent- By ROBERT SELWA SEN. B A R R Y GOLDWATER should change his mind and hold a debate with Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. Goldwater so far has refused a Rockefeller request to this effect. He should change his mind not only because debates are healthy to the democratic pro- cess but also because the future of the Republican party is at stake. The reason lies in a little- known pattern of American his- tory. About every 32 years, there comes a re-alignment of party forces in this two-party system. By 1796 the federalist and the anti- federalist parties had emerged, and the election of 1796 was the first clearly partisan contest. Dur- ing the 20 years after the election of 1800, partianship dissolved so much that the only reason James Monroe was not re-elected unan- imously in 1820 was that one elec- tor felt this honor should go to George Washington alone. But by 1828 parties had re- emerged, with Andrew Jackson of one party defeating President John Quincy Adams of the other party. During the next 24 years one of these parties, the Whigs, gradually weakened. In 1854 the Republican party was created as' its replacement, andthem odern parties began. AT THE END of a 32-year cycle in 1860, the Republicans captured the White House and During the next cycle, much of the Negro vote left the Republi- can party and much of the farm vote left the Democratic party. The cycle culminated in 1932, with Franklin Roosevelt leading a new Democratic party to victory over Herbert H o o v e r' s Republican party. The cycles lasted, respec- tively, about 28, 32, 36, and 36 years. NEXT YEAR'S election will mark 32 years and a new or mod- ified alignment can be expected to emerge. Goldwater and Rocke- feller represent two sharply dif- ferent possibilities forthe Repub- lican alignment:. Rockefeller as the 196, candidate could mean a Republican party of international- ists, moderates and liberals, sub- urbanites and city dwellers, sup- porters of federal government ac- tion and advocates of presidential initiative. Goldwater as the 1964 candidate could mean a Republi- can party of nationalists and iso- lationists, moderates and conser- vatives, suburbanites and farmers, supporters of state and local gov- ernment power and advocates of congressional initiative. Thus it is important that there be the maximum opportunity for comparing and contrasting the views of Rockefeller and Gold- water and any other leading can- didates. The best way to achieve this comparison, the clearest way to illuminate the contrast, is a series of debates betweenGold- water and Rockefeller and any h Carrying Goldwater 0 ' n Both Shoulders A ' P fI ' rt111"WtV . '