October 9, 1969 press release

TOWSON STATE COLLEGE OFFICE OF COLLEGE RELATIONS October 9, 1969 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Student Government Association of Towson State College has planned activities for October 15, the date of a nationwide moratorium on the Vietnam War organized by the National Moratorium Committee. The SGA is not a part of the national program but it will sponsor a day of education, consciousness, and concern about the War. Events planned by SGA include a film program, and draft counseling for students wishing to knw Selective Service laws as they relate to them individually. The Coalition for New Politics at Towson State will also have a program. They will show a series of films on the War, including a documentary produced by a Towson State student. They will also sponsor a rally, an open forum and prayer meeting. Dr. James L. Fisher, president of Towson State, said in an open letter to students and faculty "students, staff and townspeople have ben invited to attend these events. How we choose to respond will be an individual matter, but I hope that each of us will find some method to pause in out day to reflect on the inhumanity of all wars in the sure knowledge that unless we learn to life toegether, we will not live at all. "Let us convey to all our knowledge of human dignity, individual freedom, and compassion for one another, and that these hight ideal know no boundaries defined by nations, race, or religious belief." President Fisher announced that on Monday, October 6, the College Senate unanimously passed a resolution he was pleased to accept. The resolution said, "On October 15, 1969, Towson State College will be open. Faculty members who do not meet classes must notify students in advance, and make up instruction must be provided at the convenience of the student. As always, students must make individual judgements regarding the day's activities." President Fisher said he believed that "these arrangements should permit the full expression of conscience and the exercise of self-determination by all." -30-