Rapport sought between Administration and Black Students

Rapport sought between Administration and Black Students

Black Students, Black Student Union, Dave Flamer

An unidentified member of a black "splinter-group" allegedly storms into President Sykes' office with "non-negotiable" demands for black students at the University. Dave Flamer is identified as a spokesperson for the group.

Mathew Custer

Quad Angles Vol. 37 No. 24

West Chester University Quad

May 6 1969

Angela Grabosky

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JPG Newspaper Scan

English

Student Newspaper

Rapport sought between Administration and Black Students By MATHEW CUSTER On Thursday, May 1, around 10:30 a.m. an unidentified Negro student walked into President Sykes' office and presented a list of "non-negotiable" demands to one of the president's secretaries. The events leading up to and succeeding this action are proving to be some of the most controversial happenings in West Chester State's history. The controversy originated in an April 22 meeting between President Sykes and the Human Relations Council. At that time the council submitted requests to the administration that, if carried out, would increase communication between the administration and black students, increase the chances for more Negro students to be admitted to the campus, and generally improve the position of the black student on campus. Public Relations Role Revised The requests submitted at that time were considered to be reasonable to the administration and beneficial to the student body as a whole. Therefore, they were accepted and action was taken by the administration to open the Public Relations service of the college to the black students to aid in their promotion campaign. According to Dr. William Houpt, director of Public Relations, not one of the students from the Human Relations Council has contacted him for use of his services. Minority of a Minority The group which presented its "ultimatum" to the college appears to be a splintergroup of the committee which submitted the earlier suggestions. In short, they were a minority of a minority. Soon after the unidentified student presented the demands, David Flamer, one of the spokesmen for the group, met with Dr. Sykes, Mr. Ronald Gottshall, acting Dean of Student Affairs, and Larry D'Antonio, President of I.G.A. At that time, Flamer explained that the demands would be, in effect, "non-negotiable," and that a confrontation between the black activist group and the administration would take place if their demands were not met by noon, Monday, May 5. Thursday Meeting Slated A meeting was immediately scheduled for 2 p.m. that (Thursday) afternoon. The "splinter-group" was notified that the meeting would be held, that black members of the faculty and board of trustees would be present at the meeting, and that the administration would be willing to discuss their demands with them at the meeting. Present at that meeting were: Dr. Earl F. Sykes; Mr. Charles Swope and Mr. Clifford Deßaptiste, both from the board of trustees; Mr. Ronald Gottshall; Dr. Arnold Fletcher, Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs; Mr. Herbert Lee, Assistant Director of Admissions; Dr. Walter Ridley, of the Education Department; Mr. Phillip Hoggard, of Student Teaching; Larry WAntonio, president of 1.G.A.• Gary Dologite, former president of 1.G.A., and Chief Berger of the Security Police. Conclave Ignored The members of the black activist "splinter-group" refused to attend the meeting. A general student conference was then held in Phillips Memorial Auditorium at 1:30 p.m., Friday. This student conference was called to inform the student body of the situation, and to discuss general grievances with the activist group. Unfortunately, the activist group left as President Sykes began to speak. Second Meeting A second meeting paralleling the first was then held Sunday, May 4. Ed. Note: These are the first suggestions of the black student body which were presented in the April 22 meeting between President Sykes and the Human Relations Council. We, the committee representing the Black Student Body of West Chester State College, has convened for the following purposes: 1. To provide a body which can speak for the Blacks of W.C.S.C. when consultation is desired. 2. To secure increased Black enrollment here. 3. To integrate into W.C.S.C. the grand legacy of Black Culture. 4. To promote an active relationship with those neighboring insituations which have large Black enrollments. We, the committee representing the Black Student Body of West Chester State College, request that the Administration here accept the following policies: 1. We will meet with the administration at least once a month and whenever either facet deems it necessary. 2. We will be a part in the formation facet of all policies and decisions that will affect our destiny at West Chester State College. Recruitment In order to enlighten the Black community of the educational opportunities here at West Chester State College, we present the following plan: a. We may set up an officially recognized committee of recruiters, and allowed to visit whenever deemed necessary those schools whose enrollment is abundantly populated with Black students. b. Utilization of mass communication in continuous efforts to attract Black Students to West Chester, eg. Phila. and vacinity major and local papers. Bulletin, Tribune, Inquirer, Courier, etc. National magazines Look, Ebony, Life, Jet, etc. Television and Radio Channel 12 (Tell the West Chester Story) WDAS, WHAT, WFIL, WIBG, etc. c. Utilization of guidance counselors. Build into publications to West Chester's Service Area the reality that West Chester is in earnest quest for Black applicants. If West Chester State College is to realize the fulfillment of the mandate handed down by the Department of Health and Welfare within the time so specified, it becomes urgent that the immediate acceptance if the above mentioned priorities be unavoidedly adopted in mind, spirit, and favor, by everyone present and represented at this consortium. m Demands Submitted on May 1 The demands, as presented to the administration were as follows: To The Administration of West Chester State College: This letter is to state as simply as possible that we, the Black Students of West Chester State College, are not at all satisfied with the outcome of our meeting with you on April 22, 1969. We are therefore submitting our final plan to you to be acted upon by the Board of Trustees in an EMERGENCY SESSION. We will expect a reaction to our request on May 5, 1969 at 12:30 p.m. in the square directly behind Recitation Hall (the Quad). Here the administration will announce to the entire college its decision. If your response is other than positive, Militant Policy by the Black Students will ensue. Purpose - to examine policies formulated by the Administration of W.C.S.C. before their enactment. Demands 1. A review Board to set up consisting of nine members; six black students chosen by the Black Student Body, and three faculty members one of whom must be black, chosen by Administration. A. Each member is to have one vote B. Only a simple majority is needed to rule, n. Powers A. To initiate action concerning the Black Course. Department heads be subordinate to this board. C. The said Board be officially informed of all events concerning Black students. D. To evaluate these programs as they progress. E. To accept, amend, or reject submitted policies. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF W.C.S.C.'S BLACK STUDENT BODY COMMITTEE TO SUBMIT TO W.C.S.C., OR TO HARRISBURG, OUR PLANS FOR DESEGREGATION. IT IS, HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL DUTY OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF WEST CHESTER STATE COLLEGE.

Photo by Dennis Fahringer Activist "Splinter Group" leaves student conference in Philips Memorial Auditorium held to discuss their grievances.

Microfilm

This could be a precursor to the Black Student Union. The BSU claims they were founded in 1969 and have connections with Dave Flamer.
The title font is in two different sizes, which might suggest disagreement in the newsroom.