Shift to larger number of participants in the mainstream arena as the student protests begin to include issues such as racial inequality.

"Students Rebel at University of Virginia"

Student protests at the University received national attention from the New York Times News Service. These 150 students made several demands, including the resignation of a Board of Visitors member Wheatley for his apparent racist policies regarding integration at the University. They lodged complaints against the BOV because of its inability to reflect the varying perspectives of the students. President's Papers, 1968-69

Letter from Williams to Shannon

Vice-president for Student Affairs Alan Williams warns Shannon of the request of five students to hold an open meeting with the Board of Visitors. These five students, who become leading proponents for increased minority representation at UVA, know the power to change rests in the hands of a group of individuals who are largely inaccessible to the student body. President's Papers, October 24, 1968

"The 'Coat-and-Tie' Cause"

By the spring semester of 1969, student discontent spread to much more than just a few radical students involved in activism groups. Between 300-700 students participated in a "coat and tie" demonstration to prove to the public that one need not be a radical to be concerned with inequalities surrounding them at the University. President's Papers, February 23, 1969

More Than Just The War

Student demonstrations before 1970, while focusing much on their anti-war sentiments, included a number of other social causes. As the liberalism of the student body increased into the late 1960s and the 1970s, students began examining some of the inequities a little closer to home. Students began speaking out about Charlottesville's intolerance of black people and the University's lackadaisical approach to recruiting more African American students. While this seems to be quite the progressive leap for Virginia gentlemen, notice their traditional coat and tie garb while making demands for change. February 17, 1969

Letter from Evans to Shannon

Student Council endorses the VA Council on Human Relations' demands for higher recruitment of black students. Student Council President Mark Evans praises Shannon's attention to their demands as well. This seems to be quite a shift from the conservatism expressed in earlier Shannon and Evans documents. President's Papers, May 8, 1968

Letter from Shannon to Evans

After Student Council President Mark Evans informs Shannon of the Martin Luther King Chapter of the VA Council on Human Relations' request to demonstrate about racial inequality at the University, Shannon responds with his opinions about the complexity of the Chapter's demands, such as higher recruitment of black students, appointment of a dean in Admissions' office to oversee this and to set up a Martin Luther King scholarship fund. President's Papers, May 13, 1968

Letter from Evans to Shannon

This letter urges President Shannon to send his disapproval of General Hershey's suggested reclassification of draft cards for student protesters. While council did not vote to send letters themselves, a majority of council members urge Shannon to do so. While this letter expresses disapproval of the military's attempts to punish war protesters, Evans is quick to say that Council does not oppose the "nation's various endeavors." President's Papers, February 12, 1968

Shannon's Reply includes a statement from the American Council on Education (of which Shannon is a member) admonishing Hershey's proposal to reclassify dissenters of the war effort. President's Papers, February 19, 1968

Letter re: Student Council Proposal

A Student Council proposal to not fund any organization meeting in an establishment which refuses to serve black patrons receives this loaded cover letter from Dean Runk. Runk views council's initiative as an attempt to appease the "black power" rising at the University. President's Papers, February 20, 1968

"Purpose of Military Units Debated Between Students"

This article shows the tension between students involved in the ROTC program and those who felt their military preparedness undermined the peace efforts for which they strived. The Cavalier Daily, October 31, 1968

"Shannon Answers Questions"

President Shannon maintains open dialogue with students in Student Council about University issues. Hot topics such as coeducation and recruitment of black students rank high on the Council's agenda. The Cavalier Daily, November 20, 1968