"Jerome expresses 'state of urgency'"

Jerome expresses 'state of urgency'

President William T. Jerome speaking to over 500 students in front of Williams Hall yesterday, called the events at Kent State University "one of the most tragic moments I have known."

By calling off classes tomorrow morning Dr. Jerome said, “we should have an opportunity to talk through some of these issues "

"We will meet In a sense of grief, sorrow and dedication," he said. "We will try to develop a program that will respond to the needs of the University in resolving our problems."

President Jerome spoke of his great distress over the trouble at Kent State.

"The next ten days will tell us more about the destiny of this University then everything that has happened before," he said.

Tha president asked students to "show judgment and your own love for this institution"

He then submitted to questions from the audience. One student who said he supported the Black Student Unions' demand to disarm Campus Police asked why the police needed guns.

"I don't think the Campos Security need guns in reference to our students," he said. 'This is one of the issues we will discuss tomorrow.”

When asked If the University could be closed for the rest of the week, he said, "we will not close down our University."

"Our student body will speak loud and clear on this issue." he said. "The University will remain open."

Dr. Jerome said that students were becoming emotional and nothing could be accomplished under heated conditions.

"This is a political attempt by a few students to destroy our institution," he said.

Student Body president Greg Thatch yesterday warned students to avoid a violent confrontation at today's meeting with President Jerome.

"This is an institution of learning." Thatch insisted. "We can learn and we can dissent, but we don't have to be violent. If we are, we will be doing the very same thing we are protesting against."

He said a protest against violence triggered yesterday's demonstration. Any form of violence today would be hypocritical to the students' cause.

He added that the students have a very real chance of solving campus problems without violence.

"If people on both sides will face these issues sensibly rather than emotionally, we may get something done," he said.

Thatch said the students are no longer apathetic. They went some answers and are willing to force the Administration into giving them.

He reminded students that President Jerome has already given many concessions this year to the Black Student Union and other groups on campus. He urged them to give the president a chance at today's meeting.

There's a very real chance of violence today, he said, especially since emotions are high. However, he hoped the students would be willing to listen to the speakers calmly.

Thatch added that he may be one of the speakers.