[Ronald Roskens]: --Ronald Roskens, Vice President for Administration at Kent State University. My colleagues here this afternoon are President Robert White, to my immediate right; Frank Frisina, who is president of the Kent State University student body; the third, Dr. Robert Matson, Vice President for Student Affairs; Mr. Richard Dunn, Vice President for Business. We will begin with a statement from President White, after which we'll be pleased to entertain your questions.

[Robert I. White]: Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you appreciate the fact that matters have been both horrible, time consuming, on occasion, without the ability to know just what was going on. So, to whatever extent I’m unable to answer your questions, I’d hope for your forgiveness. Dr. Roskens meant to mention, did not, that the other one of my very closest associates, who is not here this afternoon, is Dr. Louis Harris, who’s Vice President and Provost. The reason for his absence is that we asked him to sit in with a Faculty Senate meeting, which, because of the curfew restrictions, had to be held outside the city of Kent. But all of these associates have been very deeply involved in all of the events of the past week or more, with a splendid display of unity and hard work, and without them, matters would’ve been utterly impossible, if it’s possible to make a statement like that at this time. I must also pay my deepest respects to responsible, dedicated, hardworking student and faculty leadership, which on a number of occasions tempered the situation which could’ve been very, very much worse than it did become. I could refer to a number of those who had real, physical risk, took steps, which they were called upon to take by–which they could’ve been ordered to take, or felt obligated to take by no stretch of the imagination. I’ll make a few comments and then, see what your questions are, and possibly, some of my comments will either answer your questions, or spur others.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Mr. President, could–my name’s Ben (unintelligible, [00:03:51]), I’m with CBS News. Could I ask you to hold off for about thirty seconds? The cameraman (unintelligible [00:03:56]).

[Unidentified Speaker]: He announced himself as CBS.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Thank you.

[Robert I. White]: Okay now?

[Unidentified Speaker]: Eighteen seconds.

[break in the recording]

[Robert I . White]: -not to be filled with shock and with horror, at what has happened. I don’t, I hope I do not need to amplify on that, I’ve said on many occasions before that any Kent State University student is very special. Mrs. White and I sent this telegram to the parents of the four who were dead.

“The thoughts of Mrs. White and I are with you in your terrible loss. As parents ourselves, we are filled with horror and with shock. We pray for support to you in this hour. Knowing full well, of course, that words are inadequate.”

I have taken steps, and will continue to take steps to move toward the most thorough possible, the highest possible level of investigation, and an investigation of a certain type. I was in contact this morning with our Congressman, the honorable William Stanton, who himself has been pressing the White House for some sort of a development along these lines. I was encouraged to do that because I thought I saw an opening in President Nixon’s statement of last night. Congressman Stanton has authorized me to say that I’d been in contact with him, and that he thoroughly agreed, and he’s presented the request to the White House as a joint request from him and me. I’ve also conferred with Dr. Milton Eisenhower, the former president of Johns Hopkins University, who served as chairman of the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence. I believe I have the title correct. He advised that, in my place, he would seek the same route. It had been my hope that his commission was still active, so that it could be assigned that task. Unfortunately, the Eisenhower Commission expired legally last December 10. But in any event, we’re all agreed that the kind of investigation we hope to see, not only at the highest level, but also one which will result in a full report, not simply conclusions, and which will refer to witnesses. We’ll keep after that until we get the best possible answer we can, the highest possible, perhaps even a special commission at either the federal or the state level.

One reason I feel that way, which I will amplify later, is because I do fear that the tragic happening is isolated neither in time nor in place. There will be questions about the reopening of the University. We are rather well agreed that the University will reopen only under a certain set of conditions. One of those, obviously, must be the assurance of normalcy and safety. A second one, and General Canterbury and I are in agreement on this, that we should not attempt to reopen with the National Guard in command of the campus. At the same time, it will be necessary, in the opinion of those of us who are studying the situation, it would be necessary to have something more than the usual campus security protection readily available. What form that would take, I don’t know. One could hope that our own internal resources would be sufficient, but there do come times when you are overwhelmed and have to ask for help.

Another condition which must be met before we can reopen is either modification or removal of the Portage County Injunction, which bans the operation of the University, until certain conditions are met. Unfortunately, the injunction does not precisely spell out those conditions, so a good deal of discussion is going to be necessary before that condition can be met and clarified. We must also pay some attention to the scheduling of public events for the remainder of the quarter, recognizing that something terribly unique has happened here. And then, finally–and I’m sorry, I’ll have to refuse to answer any further questions on this particular point–there are at least two questions of such a nature that we must discuss them with faculty leadership before we can take a step. I hasten to assure you that these questions in no ways represent any division between the administrative staff of the University and the faculty leadership. In fact, on these particular questions, we do see eye to eye at the moment.

We’ve gone through a four-day period, which started last Friday, noon. We’ve gone through a period filled with tension, and with mounting alarms, with rumor, with, well, with all sorts of exacerbations. I may be using the wrong words, in retrospect it is possible to say that the possibility of death has hovered over us for some time. Violence begets violence, the first instance, as I recall it, was that of the rather savage beating of a news cameraman on Friday night, and the thing has successively escalated, and now we’re in it.

I hope that the press, and all media, TV, and radio, are able to–well, I almost said, are able to be unemotional, and of course, that’s not possible, but rather, to look at what has happened here, as a microcosm of what is over the nation, and what very well could be. To go at it in depth, and broadly, and not to change your views. I think in there I’m taking the sideswipe at one commentator. This commentator did not refer to me, but if I recall correctly, it was on a Friday afternoon, April 10, when Jerry Rubin spoke on this campus. He did not speak by invitation of the University, and no state monies went into his appearance, but the same time, and I’ll take the responsibility for this, we did not interfere with his appearance other than to make sure that certain security precautions were maintained and some amenities observed. For example, it is not possible in Ohio to solicit funds for political purposes on public property. You can solicit funds for expenses, which is what we asked the group to do. I have been damned in so many quarters, my mail’s been overflowing. People however, failed to realize one, there might be a question with regard to the courts whether or not we could have prevented Jerry Rubin from speaking, and secondly, the simple fact that as one looks back over the chronology of what did happen–I’ve forgotten the exact figure, sticks in my mind somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 of our students listening to him on a very lovely Friday afternoon, almost completely turned off, you might say, by what he had to say, with no aftermath, nothing of the sort.  And had we said to him, “You cannot speak,” we would’ve had 20,000 youngsters wondering “what was there so mysterious, so dangerous, about what he had to say?” that they would’ve sought him out.

Well, it so happened that there was one commentator who had him for an interview, and terminated the interview very abruptly in mid-flight, because this commentator did not like what he was saying. And then, within recent hours–oh yes, and in the process of remarks referred to Jerry as having been a Kent State, as having been from Kent State, which very helpfully added to all my mail, including some suggestions that this or that person would make a better president of Kent State University. And then, within recent hours, to have that same commentator take a precisely opposite viewpoint, is a–that’s what I’m referring to. I hope you go at this in breadth, and in total depth. As I listen to what I hear today, and as I read the printed material that comes before me, I see the disappearance of the center. And that is, perhaps, my gravest concern, basically. I hear lunacy on one side and frightening repression on the other, and I don’t hear from that traditional center position that says, “Let us discuss fully, and without limits, let us study fully and without limits, and let us come to a decision and a conclusion within orderly processes, which are in themselves, subject to orderly change.” What I hear instead, are those who say, “Let’s have such and such without order,” and those who say, “Let us have order without discussion.” It’s that combination of the two, it’s that rigid centrist position, which I see being eroded so rapidly. If I’m frustrated over something, I’m justified in taking extreme steps. If I don’t like what I hear, I’m justified in stifling that person. Well, so much for that. Alright, I’ve probably said a great deal too much already. Questions?

[Unidentified Speaker]: Could you please identify yourselves one at a time?

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White, (unintelligible [00:20:30]), Channel Eleven from New York. You said that violence begets violence, do you think that bringing National Guard troops onto the campus is the proper response to student-inflicted property damage, such as the burning of the ROTC building?

[Robert I. White]: As a matter of fact, the National Guard was brought on by orders of the governor. Unfortunately, I was out of state at the moment, and the–as I understand it–the request was first lodged through the civil authorities of the City of Kent. However, I’m not going to second-guess. I’m just afraid that had I been here, and seen what was happening, I too might’ve requested the National Guard. And I think had you been here, you might’ve. Incidentally, there are copious documents available to all of you, I have a few here, some of our For Your Information bulletins, the Sunday resolution of the Kent State University Student Council last Sunday, which did regret the presence of the National Guard, but, well, I think it’s worth calling attention to:

“We, as concerned students, and as student-leaders at Kent State University, express our deep regret and disapproval of the actions of a minority of students and non-students who have made it necessary for the National Guard to come on this campus. While we’re disappointed by the presence of the National Guard on campus, we appreciate the necessity of this action, and for that reason, we support it.”

Then, they go on with two paragraphs in which they more or less indicate that they fear that the University was being used for political purposes by the presence of the National Guard.

And then, “Finally, we further call on the students, faculty, and administration of KSU to protect their campus by following the orders as presently given. We hope that reasonable minds will view the disturbances in their proper light and context. That those who cause violence be dealt with properly, and that this University be returned to its normal functions.”

And of course, all of us were hoping that the Guard would get off the campus. I don’t know, as I would know what alternative could’ve been done at the time, under those circumstances.

[Unidentified Speaker]: So, I take it that you would like to see further explorations in the direction of some immediate alternatives?

[Robert I. White]: I’d be very happy to see that. Yes, sir?

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White, a two part question. You can put this in a little bit of historical perspective, how do you think this will be viewed, what happened here yesterday, in a few years? And, do you think this will act to quell the dissident demonstrations in this country, or do you think it may fan the flames of what young people call the revolution?

[Robert I. White]: You ask a question with two alternatives. My hope is that there’s a third, that it would sober everybody, that on the one hand, it would loosen up those rigidities, and red-tapes, and procedures that do need to be loosened up. And on the other hand, would encourage faith in a process based on full discussion and study and orderly change. I think I’ve come in between your two. That’s my hope.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Yes, I’m Ben (unintelligible [00:25:00]) with CBS News. Do you think the (unintelligible [00:25:05])?

[Robert I. White]: I can’t comment on that until I have–I’ve had to resist forming a personal feeling until I see all the film, hear all the witnesses, and that’s why I’m hoping so much for a thorough, down-to-earth investigation.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Did you see the shooting yourself, sir?

[Robert I. White]: No, I did not.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Did you call the parents of the dead students?

[Robert I. White]: No, I didn’t. I sent them the wire.

[Unidentified Speaker]: You’ve heard nothing from them?

[Robert I. White]: No, sir.

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White, can you tell us two things? First, has the FBI been called into this situation and are they present? Secondly, what type of investigation are you referring to? National, judicial, or is the FBI, what are we talking about?

[Robert I. White]: I am–I do not know directly that the FBI has been called in. I am told that it has been. As a matter of fact, I believe that on Sunday morning, Governor Rhodes mentioned that because the ROTC building had federal relations, that the FBI had been called in. So, if you wanted me to bet, I’d bet twenty to one that they are, but I do not know for sure. Now, the investigation to which the inquiry, let us say, for which I hope would not be an FBI type of inquiry. I have considerable confidence in the FBI, but the inquiry or investigation I’m hoping to see is the kind that will reveal its evidences, and its testimonies, and its witnesses, along with its conclusions.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Rather like the Warren Commission (unintelligible, [00:27:03]).

[Robert I. White]: Yes sir?

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White? President-

[Unidentified Speaker]: There are two roles–

[Unidentified Speaker]: I think I need a major (unintelligible [00:27:09]) here to keep track of–

[Unidentified Speaker]: (unintelligible, [00:27:15]).

[Unidentified Speaker]: What sorts of answers would you hope that this could be the answer you’re looking for, what sorts of things? You said you hoped to have a complete answer.

[Robert I. White]: One would relate to the–one would relate to exactly, ascertaining exactly, so far as possible, what did happen. Then, what was there in the week, or the two weeks proceeding all this? How many off-campus imports were there? Some of you asked General Canterbury about the guns. How many cases of actual presence of guns can be ascertained? Was there any organized planning for this or that disturbance? To what extent, if any, and I am not pre-judging here–to what extent, if any, are there these hundreds of thousands of young people who are so deeply distressed over Cambodia, being manipulated, if indeed that be the case? If so, what should we do, and so on down the line?

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White, I’m wondering about your consultation with the Governor. Did you say before that University officials were not consulted at all before National Guardsmen entered the campus? And secondly, have you been in touch with the Governor’s Office since? And what is the fruit of those discussions?
 
[Robert I. White]: The University officials were not contacted before the calling of the National Guard, am I correct?

[Unidentified Speaker]: Not only before-

[Robert I. White]: Vice President Matson and Vice President Dunn were manning the control post at that time, and they were informed–this is on Saturday evening, about 9:45–they were informed that the National Guard had been summoned. Then, I believe you asked, had I had any contact with the Governor?

[Unidentified Speaker]: Yes. And the product (unintelligible [00:29:55]).
 
[Robert I. White]: I’ve had two contacts, both very fleeting, and neither one of which, you say, would get down to the basic questions.

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White–

[Robert I. White]: Well, wait, may I? On my arrival at our airport, he was there waiting to take off. So, we just shook hands, and he told me what he’d done. Then, yesterday afternoon, he phoned me from Columbus to express his regret, and to ask if I had the names of the dead and injured.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Two questions, could you explain what you mean by cases of guns that might be on the campus?

[Robert I. White]: Yes, the same question to which you referred–instances.

[Unidentified Speaker]: From the troops? Or somebody else?

[Robert I. White]: You said cases, you meant instances? That is, when you say case, you don’t mean–

[Unidentified Speaker]: Oh, I see, all right.

[Robert I. White]: All right.

[Unidentified Speaker]: The second question I have is, in your objective to get objective reporting and background of this incident, will you consider releasing the two rolls of film, I believe there are seventy-two negatives taken by a University Photographer before, during, and after the shootings?

[Robert I. White]: I would consider it. I don’t know what the answer would be, there’s some other complications in there. For example, should they be reserved for subpoenaing? You see?

[Unidentified Speaker]: Maybe just publish the roll.

[Robert I. White]: Get them out before they’re published.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Before they’re subpoenaed because then they’ll be a restriction placed on them.

[Robert I. White]: I’m–that’s all I would want to say at this time, I’m–

[Unidentified Speaker]: Has anybody–


[Robert I. White]: You.

[Unidentified Speaker]: –where are the photographs?

[Unidentified Speaker]: The photographs are in the University News Bureau under the direction of the Director of the University News Bureau.

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White–

[Robert I. White]: I haven’t seen them.

[Unidentified Speaker]: –in the aftermath of the shooting, a young man with a gas mask, camera, and with a gun in his authority, by the authority, it’s alleged that he was in the employ of the University’s security. I’d like to know, is that true, and if it is why he was carrying a gun?

[Robert I. White]: I don’t know. Do any of you?

[Unidentified Speaker]: His photograph was in the New York Times.

[crosstalk]

[Unidentified Speaker]: Pardon?

[crosstalk]

[Unidentified Speaker]: Mr. President? This time, I have a further question on that.

[Robert I. White]: All right, go ahead.

[Unidentified Speaker]: I understand the student’s name was Terry Norman, was apparently employed or works for Campus Security, taking pictures of (unintelligible [00:33:03]) radicals or dissidents. Is this a standard policy in the University? I’d also like to know if you have any report if Norman’s gun was fired, or if he was taken in custody?

[crosstalk]

[Robert I. White]: This is a member of our staff, just a second. Go ahead.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Donald Schwartzmiller, the director of our campus security, said last night Mr. Norman was not employed by the Campus Police department.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Thank you.

[Unidentified Speaker]: I’d like to ask you if he works as a volunteer? (Unintelligible [00:33:40]) apparently, he does work as a volunteer, I was told by one of the detectives.

[Unidentified Speaker]: I can only go by what he said, he said he was not working for the University Security Office.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Let’s have the question over here.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Can you characterize the political climate on this campus (unintelligible [00:33:56]).


[Unidentified Speaker]: (Unintelligible [00:34:05]).

[Robert I. White]: May I ask Vice President Matson to answer that? He has the better information.

[Robert Matson]: Just as a brief response to that question, we have had considerable–I would say at least for the Midwest–considerable activity by groups of students who are politically oriented. Basically, I would say to the left, and more specifically with our Students for a Democratic Society. For instance, during the last spring, the activities of just over a year ago, there were a number of arrests made on this campus as a result of, first, some attacks on some of our security force, physical attacks, and secondly, the breaking into one of our buildings. At that point in time, we did decide that the Students for a Democratic Society, at least that organization, as an organization, could not any longer exist on the campus. From that date, there has been demonstrations, rallies, etcetera, but no confrontation and violence up to last weekend.  

[Unidentified Speaker]: We’re gonna take two more questions.

[Unidentified Speaker]: President White? Are you aware the National Guard troops were patrolling your campus with loaded rifles during the time that your classes were in session, and that your students were not warned of this?

[Robert I. White]: No, I did not know that they were patrolling with loaded rifles. I obviously saw the fixed bayonets. I did not know that the students had not been warned. One more.

[Unidentified Speaker]: What day do you hope to reopen the university? You listed several conditions, is there one that you’re tentatively shooting for? And secondly, there’s been some concern voiced by a number of students that if it reopens as soon as next Monday, that there could be renewed demonstrations and so forth. How do you feel about that, and I’d also like to find out from the student body president how he feels about the concern?

[Robert I. White]: We are not–it is not now possible to give any indication of when we intend to reopen. Those conditions will have to be met. The last point you mention is real. We feel we should not reopen until we will reopen in, let us say, normalcy. Mr. Frisina?
 
[Frank Frisina]: Well, there’s of course no way we can know as a student when the University will be open. I think that we would want to guarantee to our students some safety, some possibility of going about their business as normal. I know there is a paramount desire on the University students’ part to return to classes, to receive their degree, we have many seniors who wish to graduate, many other–the rest of the students don’t want to fall behind. The paramount goal is to reopen and resume business as usual.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Did you see what happened yesterday? Did you witness the shooting?

[Frank Frisina]: No, I did not.

[Unidentified Speaker]: My question relates to the response of Dr. Matson, concerning the events of a year ago. Is there any indication that the four gentlemen who were released from jail last week were in any way involved with the trouble this week?

[Robert Matson]: Mr. [Troyer?], I have only the word of our city police. I think you gentlemen may know that, basically, the Friday night, shall I call it rampage, glass breaking in the city, began around some bars downtown. They built a fire in the middle of the street, as it’s reported to me, and in that rally, the local police report that two of the members that had been in jail until the 29th of April, were seen by, and as it’s reported, five of the local police, around that bonfire.

[Unidentified Speaker]: Thank you very much.

[cross talk]

[End of recording.]

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