THEIR RULE AND OUR RULES
On Friday, the Regents acted. They passed a
policy statement concerning the regulation of political activity at the University of
California. On the question of advocacy, the most controversial issue in the Free Speech
fight, the Regents endorsed a policy which was recommended before October 13 by the
University of California General Counsel. Thus, over a month of petitioning and
negotiating was totally ignored. The Regents ruled that the advocacy of "illegal
action" is grounds for discipline. By all administrative interpretations of this
policy, if an action is advocated, and after the fact an unlawful act occurs which can in
any way be connected with the advocacy, the on-campus speaker can be expelled. Thus if
arrests occur during any civil rights demonstration, an on-campus speaker who advocated
participation in that demonstration, or a student who handed out leaflets about the
demonstration could be expelled. Arbitrary harassments against student activity were made
practicable by provisions for increased staff in the Dean's Office and in the Police
Department. Chancellor Strong yesterday published rules implementing the Regents' policy.
They were as expected; no protections against arbitrary administrative action were
provided. The administration is the sole judge of what is legal, what is not, what
violates rules, what does not. The purpose of the policy is to provide a tool for the
further suppression of student political activity; it is not to protect students.
Chancellor Strong tried to appear to accept the proposal of the faculty contingent of
the Williams committee. Thls group, however, admittedly framed their proposals in a manner
they were sure was acceptable to Kerr. They do not represent faculty opinion. Far more
liberal views have been expressed in the many other proposals submitted by faculty groups.
But Strong didn't accept even that conservative position -- and notably, retained the
Faculty Committee on Student conduct to handle all cases of discipline. By its history of
star-chamber proceedings this committtee has established itself as totally unacceptable.
The F.S.M. cannot recognize these attempts to stifle the exercise [of] our rights.
Since the administration has failed in its mandate to provide regulations by which student
political organizations can adequately function, those engaging in political activity will
follow the regulations of the F.S.M.
Should the administration take action against any student or student organization on
account of his exercising his rights, the F.S.M. shall protect that student or
organization with whatever action is appropriate and necessary for the defence of such
rights.
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There will be a RALLY at NO0N today in which the Du Bois Club, Campus Core, and Slate
will advocate off-campus political activity. There will be tables set up all over campus,
including now traditional areas. All activity will proceed by F.S.M. regulations.