25 protest Smith Hall proposal

A sparse crowd condemned the University's proposed demolition of Smith Hall to make room for a Pentagon-funded science institute at a rally on College Green yesterday. Several speakers mentioned the presence of Reserve Officer Training Corps and its connection with the Department of Defense during their short, but passionate statements. "[The administration and the Defense Department] are doing direct harm to students on this campus already. Lesbian and gay students' civil liberties are being sold down the river," said Elizabeth Hunt, a graduate student in History and Sociology of Science. "President Hackney is dragging his feet." The gathering of approximately 25 people booed President Sheldon Hackney as he walked out of College Hall and past the protest during one of the speeches. "No more discrimination. ROTC off campus," several protesters chanted at the president. At the rally, many concentrated on the atmosphere of distrust they say the University has created. "Trust us, work with us," Hunt said, disdainfully imitating the University administration for allegedly deceiving community members throughout the battle over Smith Hall. College sophomore Katy McCabe spoke mainly about the connection between the military and research universities, while H&SS; graduate student Julie Johnson emphasized the economic difficulties she said the project could encounter. Those attending the rally generally said they already supported the position of the protesters and came to hear more. "The Cold War is over. What is there to be fought today that can't be fought with the arsenal the United States already has?" asked Hans Pols, a graduate student in H&SS.; The University and opponents to the proposed Institute of Advanced Science and Technology have been at odds for over a year because some activists say Smith is historic and should remain standing. Other protesters, like those at yesterday's rally, focus on the possible environmental hazards and on the use of a Defense Department grant. University administrators repeatedly denied charges that weapons research will be done in the new building, citing a policy which forbids unpublishable research.

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