Oakland University Senate

November 11, 1969

Agenda

To:  Members of the University Senate

From:  William F. Sturner, for the Steering Committee

Re:  Agenda for the Special Meeting of November 11, 1969

A special meeting of the University Senate will be held on Tuesday, November 11, at 3:30 p.m., in room 203, Dodge Hall of Engineering.

A. Old Business

1. Consideration of three alternative resolutions presented by the External Affairs Committee (Mr. Barthel).

The three alternative resolutions noted below received a formal reading on November 6, at which time they were tabled with the stipulation that they be considered at this special meeting of the Senate.

a. THE UNIVERSITY SENATE OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY, RECOGNIZING THE IMMORALITY OF THE WAR IN VIETNAM, CALLS FOR A CESSATION OF CLASSES ON NOVEMBER 14 IN ORDER FOR THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY TO DEMONSTRATE AGAINST THE WAR.

b. THE UNIVERSITY SENATE OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZES THAT MANY CITIZENS FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES INTEND TO EXPRESS THEIR OPPOSITION TO UNITED STATES POLICY IN VIETNAM IN A VARIETY OF WAYS ON NOVEMBER 14 AND 15. THE UNIVERSITY SENATE FURTHER RECOGNIZES THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO PETITION THEIR GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES IN ALL LEGAL WAYS. THE UNIVERSITY SENATE THEREFORE RECOMMENDS THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZE THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THESE DATES EITHER BY (1) CANCELLING CLASSES AFTER FULL CONSULTATION WITH CLASS MEMBERS, OR (2) EXCUSING STUDENTS WHO DESIRE TO BE ABSENT FROM CLASS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES RELATED TO SUCH A PETITION.

c. RECOGNIZING THAT A MAJOR PURPOSE OF A UNIVERSITY IS TO PROMOTE FREEDOM OF INQUIRY; AND THAT POLITICAL ADVOCACY BY THE UNIVERSITY MUST ALMOST INVARIABLY DEFEAT SUCH A PURPOSE: WE RESOLVE THAT THIS UNIVERSITY, THROUGH ITS SENATE, SHOULD NOT ADVOCATE A STAND ON ANY POLITICAL ISSUE, OTHER THAN ON ONE WHICH CONCERNS THE RIGHTS OF ITS FACULTY AND STUDENTS TO FREEDOM OF INQUIRY ON ANY SUBJECT.

WFS;ljm
11/7/69