The Stetson Reporter

\ Vol. 83 Friday, Sept. 11, 1970 No. 2 Parietals Cancelled Last Monday, President John E. Johns, of Stetson University, decided to aboUsh the existing system of parietals in the mens' dormitories. The decision was reached only after Dr. Johns carefuUy consulted student leaders, such as Ric Crosby, President of the Student Government, during the summer months. Both worked together and with the Deans in an attempt to salvage the old parietal set-up. It was finaUy decided that the existing dorm visitation program needed a complete change. The habit of closed, locked doors could not be allowed to stand. The main reason for the change according to Dr. Johns, was that the dorm rules were flagrantly abused by a smaU minority of the student body. The misconduct resulted in devastating Stetson's pubUc. relations with outside interests. It was also noted that the financial structure of the University was greatly endangered by the past program. In order to keep faculty standards high, the financial problem had to be met. Nevertheless, the Student .Government and the Student Affairs Committee have made alternative suggestions. The committee moved to establish a return to a "bona fide supervised open house" which must be specially scheduled on the University Calendar. They also recommended that the closed door poUcy be discontinued. They finally suggested that space should be made and rooms be refurbished to accommodate open lounge areas. Political Action Group Meets Sept. is Msmkiewicz Lampoons By Brian Bayly The Political Action Group is a relatively new organization at Stetson. This group is directly affiliated with the Movement for a New Congress. Stetson is one of five-hundred universities which now has a political action group. The primary objectives of the PAG are: 1) endorsing Alcee Hastings, a black candidate who is running on a peace platform, for the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary, 2) working to lower the voting age to eighteen on a national as weU as a state wide basis, and 3) petitioning and lobbying (in Washington) for a mass-media peace campaign, especiaUy during national petition week starting October 3rd. Presently the PAG's concern is registering non-voters. Al Hastings did appear last Thursday September 3 at 4:00 pm. in the Student Union BuUding. The amount of students present at Hasting's speech was surprising considering that orientation activities were scheduled simultaneously. Mr. Hastings stands foursquare for tax reformation by constituting a greater burden on industry at the state level and alleviating the state tax for the private citizen. He also purports a semi-isolationist poUcy which is the basis for his peace platform. Mr. Hastings' primary affinity is domestic, not international, poUcy. • The reaction to the PAG thus far has not been overwhelming because of orientation, rush, and adjustment to the new environment. As students becoming acquainted with the university a greater interest is anticipated. Anyone who is interested in the PAG may contact David Jordan, chairman of the executive board; David Krenson, pubUcity; Charles Jonston,research; Tom Koszuro, fund raising chairman, and Greg Pagent, voter registration head. A bi-monthly newsletter wiU be published to inform students on national issues and to delve into more detaU on future activities. A meeting is also tentatively scheduled at 7:30 pm. on the second floor of the Carlton Union BuUding every Tuesday night. Nixon Administration Frank Mankiewicz, former aid to Robert Kennedy, was the featured speaker at the First Baptist Church Thursday night. Manckiewicz's general topic was the respective goals of the Johnson and Nixon administrations and their differences. Mankiewicz, a staunch "antiestablishmentarian," had prepared a myriad of barbs for the national leadership. During his brief address Mankiewicz lampooned the myth that Lyndon Johnson was a consummate politician. Mankiewicz maintained that Johnson was not a politician but rather, a "parlimentary diplomat." Mankiewicz also attacked the Nixon Administration as being totally political and absolutely uninterested in the welfare of anyone but its supporters. In a tongue-in-cheek aside on the Agnew speeches Mankiewicz said, "The national press is biased. Excepting four or five papers in the East, the rest are owned by ultra-conservatives and this of course causes bias." Mankiewicz went on to say that the national press had been cowed by the Agnew speeches. Speaking on the war, Mankiewicz said that he found it odd that the Cong and the NVA were considered terrorists since they had only kiUed 40 thousand civilians in comparison with the American figure of 100 thousand civilian dead. Mankiewicz was also incensed because it is widely considered "something less than patriotic to be opposed to the war." After the address Mankiewicz made comments during 45- minute question and answer period. In answer to a question on growing repression Mankiewicz said that there was no real repression in the country and that there was not likely to . be. Mankiewcz also felt that there would be a gradual revolution at the polls as political power started to move to the younger generation just as there was a revolution at the poles after the Depression. Mankiewicz said that Ted Kennedy will not run for President in '72 because of his verbal assurances. Mankiewicz also pointed out that because of his youth Kennedy would be eUgible to run until 1988. After the question-answer period there was an informal reception at the Student Union during which the speaker could be addressed informally. It was here that Mankiewicz was presented with a BiU. Cramer button because of his work in getting Cramer's opponent, Harold CarsweU, rejected by the Senate. Mankiewicz was witty and original throughout, and he displayed his vast knowledge of the goings on in the nations capitol with alacrity. During the informal talks Mankiewicz generaUy expressed pessimism on the war, pollution, and other controversial issues. When asked if he thought the President would remain in Indochina forever, "Yes" was his curt reply. . ._--.