Letter from Unnamed Alum to George M. Modlin

Letter from Unnamed Alum to George M. Modlin

This letter from an unnamed alum to President George Modlin was read at a President’s Advisory Council Meeting on March 8, 1971 regarding Dick Gregory’s lecture on campus on December 9, 1970. Dick Gregory was a black comedian, author, actor, activist, and civil rights leader who came to speak on campus as part of a lecture series. This alum states that they are “shocked beyond my ability to express my displeasure that the University would permit Dick Gregory to grace the podium.” The alum explains that they have been a “consistent contributor” to the Alumni fund, but they will now discontinue their annual gift and have the money allocated in their will to the University revoked. The alum asserts that “academic freedom is to be recognized,” but that “people like Gregory want to disrupt the establishment.” Many alumni decided to withhold their financial donations, but President Modlin defended the principle of free speech as essential to the University.

Notes from President's Advisory Council Meeting at the University of Richmond, 8 March 1971, RG 6.2.4 Box 28 Folder 2, University Archives, Virginia Baptist Historical Society.

1970

English

UA6.2.4.28.2-1970a.JPG

Richmond (Va.)