On Campus: September 12, 2006

Stunt troupe to hold demonstration
The Ring of Steel Action Theater and Stunt Troupe will present a free swordplay demonstration from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Student Theater Arts Complex. The fight director for the Michigan Opera Theater will present various sword techniques, including how to wield broadswords and rapers.

Socratic Club to hold introductory meeting
The U's Socratic Club will host an introductory meeting and discussion today from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Michigan Union. Those interested in attending the discussions need not be philosophy majors.

North Campus to hold its own Festifall
North Campus Fest will take place today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the North Campus Diag. Students can learn how to get involved in North Campus activities through various games, exhibits and giveaways hosted by students leaders and departments.

Crime

Racially charged message written on board
A racially discriminatory phrase was written on a whiteboard outside a resident's room in Mary Markley Residence Hall yesterday morning, the Department of Public Safety reported. Students found the phrase "I love Asian pussy" on the board. DPS was not sure of the race of the inhabitants of the room.

Prescription meds stolen from hospital
Prescription medicine was reported missing from the University Hospital yesterday afternoon. The medication was a general muscle relaxant and was stolen out of a patient's room, DPS reported.

This Day in 'U' History

Students protest ROTC activities
Sept. 12, 1969 - A large group of protesters disrupted ROTC classes in North Hall yesterday.

Some 80 protesters gathered in front of North Hall at 10:45 a.m., handing out leaflets and strategically planning the first interruption. At 11 a.m., 60 of the protesters entered three classes and debated with professors and students.

The demonstrators used only verbal protests. No violence was reported. Upon entering classes, the protesters confronted professors and students, debating the issue of "the role of the military in U.S. foreign policy."

Army Major David Radike's Military Science 101 class was one of those disrupted. He was in the process of introducing himself to the seven freshmen enrolled when protesters entered his classroom. Protest organizer Barry Bluestone politely commanded the attention of the classroom and told the students that he was with a group of people concerned about ROTC activities. Bluestone told the students, "We are here to stop ROTC. We want to do it in a reasonable, rational manner if we can."

The majority of ROTC instructors dealt with the situation calmly, demonstrating large amounts of self-control.