EXHIBIT
PROTEST
CIVIL RIGHTS AND VIETNAM
In this exhibit you can learn how Virginia Tech students responded to the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War--from a dispute over whether to lower the flag after MLK's assassination to a student occupation of Williams Hall. By Jenni Gallagher and Paul Quigley.
What makes a Hokie a Hokie? Who belongs at Virginia Tech? What values does our community hold dear? The answers depend on who you ask—and when. From this community's beginnings in 1872, successive generations of Hokies have defined themselves in many different ways. After the SGA Senate failed to force the removal of the Confederate flag, students fighting for civil rights expanded their demands. Targeting the song "Dixie" as a racist symbol which violated the individual rights of black students, they called for the Regimental Band to stop playing the tune at athletic events.
In October, 1971 the University announced the song would no longer be played. The football coach had ordered the practice discontinued out of a concern that it was affecting the recruitment of black athletes. Later that fall, however, the band played "Dixie" anyway, escalating the conflict. Civil rights activists staged protests, in several instances using their persons to block the band's movement.
Selections from the Highty Tighties Book describing the conflict surrounding the playing of "Dixie." The documents presented here provide a snapshot of the arguments from both sides. Student Gene Watson argued that "Dixie" was nothing more than a spirit song, and suggested, "if you don't like it, don't come." Damon Wilson countered: To Mr. Watson--"Tech tradition has it that 'Dixie' is a spirit song"--I'll agree with that--but I won't agree that this justifies its being played. Times change and Attitudes change. Tech Tradition also has it that all freshmen Cadets will be called "Rats"--but at least one directive now exists saying that Corpsmen are to call Freshment "Mister" out of respect. I ask for respect for another group--Blacks. An anonymous account of the student protest of "Dixie," from the perspective of a band member. Letters to the Editor, The Virginia Tech. Letters to the Editor, The Virginia Tech.
REMAKING VPI: THE HAHN YEARS STUDENT PROTESTS: OVERVIEW "OCCUPYING WILLIAMS HALL"
