University under Pugsley (1966-1973)

Abstract

When Albert L. Pugsley became President in 1966, American military participation in the Vietnam War was maintained through an unpopular draft system. As casualties mounted, students on college campuses throughout the United States began to protest America's involvement in the conflict. Initially, the peace movement at YSU was led by such organizations as the “Community of Concern” and “Students and Faculty for Peace” (SFP). In a short time the number of students and faculty who opposed the war grew, culminating in a local observance of the national “Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam” on October 15, 1969. Organizers urged students, faculty, and staff to suspend classes and gather to openly protest the war. In response, President Pugsley adopted a “business-as-usual” posture and urged everyone to participate only when not scheduled to be in the classroom or on the job. The Jambar reported that only one faculty member was known to have ignored the “Pugsley Edict” and canceled classes to attend the event. In all, an estimated 2,000 persons took part in the protest. Less than six months later, on May 4, 1970, four students at Kent State University were shot dead in a confrontation with Ohio National Guardsmen during an anti-war demonstration. Nationwide, campuses were closed in the wake of the tragedy. President Pugsley called for reflection—but did not close YSU.