Growth In Student Activism Seen

KALAMAZOO - Radical groups which have been W ruiting hard among Mich6 high school students will in to "reap their harvests 1 colleges and university 3 ïpuses" in the next few h rs, predicts a special l te Senate committee 3 prt. , hat is one of some 15 ;nds in student activism" 2 :seen in the final staff % jrt issued today for the 3 State Senate's Special mmittee to Study Campus Disorder and Student Unrest. The student activism section, labeled a "short-range forecast," also suggests there will be a greater variety of radical organizations attacking "the establishment" on more types of issues. At the same time, the staff report states, there is likely to be some counter-radical groups which could literally battle the SDS-type organizations. Here are excerpts from some of the detailed comynents on the national and Aate trends noted in the Weport: -SDS ( S t u d e n t s for A Democratie Society) - This hotly controversial group has stirred up wide attention and will continue to do so, but, the report states, "one cannot cite SDS as the solé cause of high school activism. In many cases SDS has indeed organized for protest, but very often the protests are strictly local affairs, imitative of other protests ..." W i d e 1 y publicized splits within SDS shouldn't be taken curtailed abruptly on college campuses, but: "In general, it is not wise to look to SDS as the cause of all student unrest; indeed, SDS gets credit for causing a lot of trouble it has had nothing to do with. Frequently it will attempt to take credit, and will almost i n v a r i a b 1 y attempt to capitalize upon any existing campus unrest . . ." VIETNAM WAR AND THE DR AFT- There is no reason to suspect any notable decrease of student activities on either issue. Similarly, protest against the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs likely will continue. Recruiting efforts on campus by the military, or by corporations seen as part of the industrial complex," will continue, to be "incentives to protest." -CORPORATION TIES- Activists can be expected to continue investigations of Corporation stocks and bonds held by colleges, seeking evidence of close links between the schools and large companies. - REGULATIONS - Rules governing student conduct will provide cause for protest, including such things as advocation o f eliminating residence hall hours or regulations on social activities. "Moreover, the apparently increasing willingness o Í boards of trustees to concern themselves with student activism makes more likely the potential for confrontation between dissidents and the boards." - FREEDOM OF SPEECH- There is reason to I expect a new push for I dom in what might be termed I stage, films, student I tions, and even student radio I stations. "This new push will test administrative policies now in effect, and will certainly cali for planning and review. According to our data, this seems especially true for Michigan institutions." - BLACK STUDENTS- Problems with black students are most likely to continue along the same vein. It appears that the concept of "black power" is too strong to allow for practical coalitions with white activist groups. In some areas of the state, the presence of Black Panther Party members on campus will pose new difficulties, "especially as the party grows in its approval of violence as a tactic." The Panthers aren't concerned with recruiting only college students, but the college orientation probably will continue to cause friction. Some of the newer trends the committee staff forsees include : -STUDENT - WOEKER ALLIANCE- This concept is strong in some factions of the SDS and Progressive Labor Party. As a result, there may be more attempts to organize campus blue-collar workers in dormitories, cafeterías and maintenance staffs. "The summer campaign by SDS to infíltrate factories was a notable I a i 1 u r e ; evidence i n d i c a t e s that they have ler.rned from their mistakes, however, and will continue the drive." -DRUGS- It's very possible there will be new drive to force institutional reconsideration of present policies on narcotics. Colleges, for example which haven't distinguished between marijuana and other substances may be special targets. "Indications of the scope of this particular problem in Michigan point very strongly to the possibility of increased trouble on the college campus." - RIGHT - WINGERS - There are indications on a number of campuses over the nation that right-wing groups are beginning their own type o f militancy- a militancy geared to opérate within the structures of the universities and society. "Thus, groups such as the Young Americans for Freedom are talking in terms of legal action against university personnel for failure to act decisively when unrest does take place ..." -MODERATE GROUPS- Organizations tradition a 1 1 y considered apathetic are, ori some campuses, tending to take strong positions against activist groups. "Fraternities, for example, have talked of organizing counter-demonstrations during times of unrest. University officials must be aware of the potential danger inherent in such tactics." "A relatively small group called the National Youth Alliance gives indications of being willing to use radical tactics in opposing SDS and similar groups. V i o 1 e n c e I could result." Other poutically moderate groups have been formed, dedicated to bringing about changes in educational policies and practices. "While their tactics won't generally imitate those of the radical left, failure on the part of I university administrations to respond intelligently to their quest for reform could drive them into the radical camp " f -WHITE PANTHERS -J Michigan itself may experi-l ence more activity from the I White Panther Party, "al group with certain romantici appeal for younger studentsl and fairly active in the south-l eastern Michigan area." "The group preaches a 1 trine o f almost absolute! individual freedom, with 1 currpnt problems from use of I nárcofics. It may become I Parti';Ularlv troublesome with I the state's junior colleges." I