Student Demonstrations : Strike Against War

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Under the lead of the American League Against War and Fascism, American Student Union, American Youth Congress, and other groups, a student "Strike Against War" again this year is being promoted in colleges and universities throughout the country. Two years ago when this movement first appeared at George Washington, a demonstration took place in the Yard which, though in itself limited in extent, assumed considerable proportions by reason of the opposition it inspired.

Last year, to prevent recurrence of such an incident and at the same time to give students the opportunity to express themselves with regard to the cause of peace, the University cooperated with the student body in the holding of a Peace Convocation, at an earlier date than the "Strike Against War" and apart from any connection with that movement. The entire facilities of the University were made available for the occasion, faculty committees assisted in arranging the program, and classes were dismissed during the hours of the meetings which were addressed by prominent speakers chosen by the students.

It was felt that the Peace Convocation had been distinctly worth while and had made a valuable contribution in the field of student discussion. Apparently, however, it was not satisfactory to those behind the "Strike Against War" movement. Several weeks ago printed pamphlets, carrying only the names of the organizations fostering the "Strike Against War" were distributed on the campus, calling for George Washington University students to "join the nation-wide student demonstration" on April 22, insisting on a "strike rather than a convocation or a forum," and declaring that "George Washington must strike simultaneously with students in other colleges."

To make clear the position of The George Washington University with respect to such demonstrations, the President of the University then made a statement, printed in the Hatchet on March 23, in which he said:

Let me say at the outset that the University's position has nothing whatsoever to do with the feeling of the institution, or of individuals who compose the institution, for the cause of peace. All of us are for peace. But belligerent and inappropriate action is neither educational nor effective. It breeds opposition and counter-demonstration by those who resent the tactics though they may be sincerely enthusiastic for the cause. The resulting melee accomplishes nothing, except to intrude temporarily upon the dignity and true purposes of university life.

Such transitory disturbance might be condoned as idealistic in motive if mistaken in method, did it not carry with it the serious and far-reaching implication of attempted interference with the educational process by nationally-organized and non-university propaganda organizations. The function of the university is to search out truth. If it is to fulfill its function the university must be free of the influence of all outside pressure groups, however high-minded the causes they espouse. Once it yields to outside pressure of any kind it is no longer an educational institution but a propaganda instrument, prey to shifting and conflicting fanaticisms....

The George Washington University believes in and fosters full and free discussion by its students. Within the University there are discussion groups, sponsored by the student body and sanctioned by the University for the consideration by students of public questions. Furthermore, if at any time the student body wishes to come together to discuss a particular question, the University is glad to cooperate, as it did last year in the holding of a Peace Convocation.

The George Washington University, then, believes in free and democratic discussion. It affords ample opportunity for such discussion. But it holds that student expression must take place within the framework of orderly and reasoned University procedures, and free from the dictates of propaganda groups.

If any of our students wish to take part in the "Strike Against War" on April 22, they are, so far as the University is concerned, perfectly free as individuals to do so. But such activity must take place outside the limits of the University, and students, of course, will be subject to the usual consequences attendant upon absence from classes.

This applies with equal force to any students opposed to the tactics or the views of the persons sponsoring the "Strike Against War," who may seek to demonstrate against the demonstrators. No demonstration or counter-demonstration on University property will be countenanced.

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Author or Source: GWU Alumni Review, May 1937
Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 21, 2006
Prepared by: Lyle Slovick, Assistant University Archivist

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