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Apartheid Protest

Description: Callie Crossley interviews several students about the student occupation of Ballou Hall at Tufts University. One female student says that the demonstrators have demanded that the university divest completely from South Africa and that the university increase financial aid for low-income and minority students. She criticizes the administration's decision to bar food from Ballou Hall during the student occupation. She remarks that the demonstrations across the nation prove that college students are not apathetic. Members of this protest have been circulating petitions, recently issued a report on institutional racism at Tufts, and received over 2,000 signatures (more than half the student body) on their petitions. A male student, the editor of the school paper, is interviewed as well who argues that while divestment is a complicated issues, this protest is counterproductive and the students are making things confrontational with the administration. He suggests holding a committee forum to discuss the issue further. He is skeptical that the students' demands will be met immediately. He further discusses Tufts' current image and history in social/political activism. A second female student is interviewed about her thoughts on the issue. An administrator is interviewed and asked about the administration's position on the demonstration. He states that they will let the demonstration run it's course and is working on informing the student body of what the university is doing. He also states that Tufts currently has agreed to selective divestment, not total divestment. Reporter compares this protest to activism seen in the 1960s and 1970s.
1:00:09: Visual: Callie Crossley interviews Alysa Rose (Tufts student) on the quadrangle at Tufts University. Crossley asks Rose about the previous evening's events in Ballou Hall. Rose says that 150 to 180 entered Ballou Hall yesterday evening; that the students refused to leave until their demands were met. Rose says that the protesters demanded total divestment from South Africa and increased financial aid for low-income and minority students. Rose says that there is a great feeling of unity inside the building; that students on the outside are trying to spread the protesters' message. The interview is interrupted by a commotion from Ballou Hall. Shots of security guards trying to keep students from throwing food to the protesters. One security guard catches a box of crackers. Crossley continues the interview. Rose says that she left the building in order to circulate a letter to Tufts' professors, encouraging them to show their support for the protesters. Rose talks about the protests which are being held across the nation. Crossley asks if the administration has met with the protesters. Rose says that the deans of the university met last night; that they decided to close down Ballou Hall, which houses the administrative offices of the university. Rose says that the deans are not allowing students or food into the building. Rose condemns Jean Mayer (President of Tufts University) for not allowing food into the building. Rose says that there are some seniors in the building who say they will not come out of the building, even for graduation. Crossley comments that college students today have a reputation of being apathetic. Rose says that these protests prove that today's students are not apathetic. Rose notes that Jesse Jackson (African American leader) is touring campuses; that Jackson tells students not to be materialistic or to become "yuppies"; that she is not sure if she completely agrees with Jackson. Rose says that she hopes that people in South Africa hear about the protests in the US. Rose says that she feels a kinship with protesting students at other colleges. Rose names other universities where protests are being held. The crew takes cutaway shots of Crossley and Rose. Crossley asks Rose if she knew what apartheid was before she came to Tufts. Rose says that she only recently became aware of apartheid. 1:04:51: V: Crossley sets up an interview with Michael Mayo (student, Tufts University). Crossley asks for the Mayo's opinion on the protests. Mayo says that he does not agree with the protesters' confrontational approach to the issue; that divestment is a complicated issue. Mayo says that he supports efforts to draw attention to the issue of apartheid. Mayo says that confrontation is counterproductive and has led to a stalemate between the protesters and the administration. Mayo says that the Tufts administration opted for a policy of selective divestment in 1979; that the university does not invest in companies which refuse to sign the Sullivan Principles. Mayo suggests that a committee of students, faculties and administrators discuss the issue of complete divestment. Mayo says that the student demonstration is disruptive. Mayo says that the students will probably leave the building over the weekend; that finals are coming up for most students. Mayo says that he has heard that the mood inside the building is becoming less enthusiastic. Mayo notes that the protesters begin to chant when the media show up. Mayo says that the protesters have drawn attention to the issue; that he is not sure if the administration will decide to divest as a response to student demonstrations. Crossley asks about student attitudes toward the demonstration. Mayo says that some students disagree with the protesters' methods; that some students view the demonstrators as "leftovers" from the 1960s. Mayo comments that the demonstrators had been circulating petitions protesting "institutional racism" at Tufts; that over 2,000 people signed the petitions. Mayo says that he is not sure if all of the 2,000 signees understood the issues brought up in the petition; that some signees wanted to be part of the 1960s "resurgence." Crossley comments that college students today have a reputation of being apathetic. Mayo says that there is a history of protest demonstrations at Tufts. He talks about specific protests in the 1960s and 1970s. Mayo says that the renewal of activism on campus is "refreshing." The crew takes a cutaway shot of Crossley and Mayo. Mayo talks about his experiences as editor of the campus newspaper. 1:09:16: V: Crossley sets up an interview with Tiffany Wheeler (Tufts student). Crossley asks for Wheeler's opinion on the protests. Wheeler says that the protests are a good thing; that she wishes she could help out more; that she signed petitions and attended the rallies. Wheeler says that she thinks the protest might help change the administration's policy. Crossley comments that college students today have a reputation of being apathetic. Wheeler says that she hopes that these protests signal a renewal of campus activism. Crossley thanks the student. 1:10:10: V: Shot of a protest sign reading, "Invest in students, not in apartheid." The protesters are heard chanting, "We need your support" and "The people united will never be defeated." Shot of a white female protester. Tufts University police officers stand in front of the Ballou Hall. Student protesters sit and stand in the entrance and foyer of the building. Crossley asks a police officer why the administration is not allowing food into the building. The officer tells Crossley to ask the chief of the Tufts police force. The officer directs Crossley to the chief. 1:10:58: V: Thomas Foster (Chief, Tufts University Police Department) stands with another man near the side of Ballou Hall. Crossley asks Foster why food is not being allowed into the building. Foster tells Crossley to speak to Curtis Barnes (Tufts University Communications Department). Crossley asks Foster when the administration decided to keep food out of the building. Foster says that the administration decided at the beginning of the protest to keep food from the building. Foster tells Crossley to ask Curtis Barnes about the university's policy toward the demonstrators. 1:12:03: V: Shot of a typed sheet reading, "What's going on at Ballou?" The typed sheet explains the background of the student demonstration at Ballou Hall. The chants of the demonstrators are audible in the background. 1:12:33: V: Crossley sets up an interview with Barnes. Crossley asks about the administration's position. Barnes says that the administration will let the demonstration continue; that student protests are part of the educational process. Barnes says that the administration's policy at this time is to abide by the Sullivan Principles. Barnes says that he hopes the demonstration will end soon. Crossley asks if it is true that the university has agreed to selective divestment. Barnes talks about the Sullivan Principles. Barnes says that the university has sold its stock in companies which refuse to abide by the Sullivan Principles. Barnes notes that the university holds stock in a company which is currently deciding whether or not to abide by the Sullivan Principles; that the university will sell the stock of that company if the company does not choose to follow the Sullivan Principles. Barnes adds that some people think that total divestment is a bad idea. The official says that stockholders are the people who can influence the policies of major corporations; that stockholders can change the policies of corporations doing business in South Africa. Crossley asks the official if the administration will change it position in response to the demonstration. Barnes says that he is preparing a fact sheet to inform all Tufts students about adminstrative action to combat racism. Barnes notes that the administration has strengthened financial aid packages for incoming minority students. Crossley asks if the administration plans to meet with the students protesters. Barnes notes that the protesters and the administration agree on divestment; that they only disagree on the extent of divestment. Barnes says that the administration will not negotiate with the students under any circumstances; that the administration will provide access to information about its policies; that the administration will not negotiate because they are already in agreement with the students. Crossley asks if the administration is feeling pressure to divest completely from South Africa. Barnes says that the administration and faculty have carefully considered the issue. Barnes notes that student protesters have demanded the addition of a course to the curriculum; that the faculty makes curriculum decisions. Barnes says that he hopes the demonstrations will lead to more discussion. Crossley asks why food has not been allowed into Ballou Hall. Barnes says that a student demonstration is not a "picnic." Barnes says that the students are welcome to eat in the dining hall; that the administration will not bring "food caravans" to the students. Barnes says that the demonstrators have put a stop to the proper functioning of the university; that the administration will not allow the demonstrators to cycle in and out; that the administration would like to focus on the issues and return to normal. Crossley asks if participation in the demonstration will keep hurt students academically or keep seniors from graduating. Barnes says that there is time to bring the protest to an end before commencement; that the protesters need to realize that sitting on the steps of Ballou Hall is not the most productive way to focus on the issue. Barnes says that he hopes to resolve the issue in the next few days. The crew takes cutaway shots of Crossley and the Barnes. Crossley asks why the administration is not allowing the students to take crackers or snacks from other students. Barnes says that the students have the option to leave the building if they are hungry. 1:19:29: V: Crossley stands near Ballou Hall. Crossley reports that the current student demonstrations against apartheid are reminiscent of student protests in the 1960s. Crossley notes that the student demonstrations are part of a national movement against apartheid. Crossley reports that students say that they will not back down from an administration which refuses to hear their demands.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1985

Tufts Apartheid Demonstrations

Description: Tufts University officials and students stand on the university quadrangle near Ballou Hall. Ballou Hall is being occupied by student protesters. Meg Vaillancourt interviews Robert Elias (professor, Tufts University) about the student occupation of Ballou Hall. Elias talks about negotiations between student demonstrators and the university administration, which were initiated by the faculty. Elias says that many students are concerned about Tufts' divestment policy; he adds that the demonstration has been an educational experience. Elias says that he does not know how students will react to the administrations' proposals to end the occupation. Students and members of the media are gathered under the portico of Ballou Hall. Protest signs hang at the entrance to the building. A protest sign hanging at the entrance to the hall reads "Biko Hall." Tufts University police officers stand near the students under the portico of the building. Elias and two other people enter the building. Students in the foyer of the building begin to chant and sing. Police officers stand directly in front of the entrance to the building. The protesters are visible as they chant and sing.
1:00:00: Visual: Three men stand on the quadrangle at Tufts University, talking about the student apartheid protest. The noise of a protester speaking into a bullhorn is audible. Shot of a sign reading, "You've made your point. Now get out." The sign is hung from two trees on the quadrangle. Tents are set up across from Ballou Hall, near the sign on the quadrangle. A song by Bob Marley, "Get Up, Stand Up" plays from a radio. Students stand on the quad and in front of Ballou Hall. Ballou Hall has been occupied by students protesting the school's refusal to divest from South Africa. Small groups of students are gathered on the quad. Two white male students talk to one another on the quadrangle. Music by Bob Marley continues to play. An African American male in a red shirt speaks to a white male in a suit and tie. The African American male holds a pen and paper in his hand. Some white male students and another white male in a suit and tie are standing with the two men. 1:04:54: V: Meg Vaillancourt sets up an interview on the quadrangle with Professor Robert Elias (professor, Tufts University). Vaillancourt asks Elias about student support for the protesters. She also asks about the possibility of negotiations with the administration. Elias says that negotiations with the protesters were initiated by a small group of faculty members; that the president of the university approved a proposal put forth by the faculty; that the faculty members presented the proposal to the students. Elias says that the students agreed to give an answer on the proposal by 4:30 pm, if the administration would promise to keep the police out of the building. Elias notes that the faculty and administration are now waiting for the protesters' decision. Elias says that the divestment policy is a widespread concern among students; that the protest has drawn attention to the issue on campus. Elias says that the demonstration has served an educational purpose; that he will be sorry to see it end badly. Vaillancourt asks about the educational value of negotiations. Elias talks about a conflict resolution course which is being taught on campus. Elias says that the protesters had tried to communicate their position to the administration before resorting to the demonstration; that the protesters felt that they were not being heard by the administration. Vaillancourt refers to the the book, Getting To Yes, by Roger Fisher. Elias says that negotiations were necessary; that the administration and the protesters were locked in a stalemate. Vaillancourt asks if both sides "won" in the negotiations. Elias says that he does not know which side "won"; that he does not know how the protesters will react to the proposal by the administration. Vaillancourt closes the interview. 1:09:49: V: Members of the media sit on a low wall in front of Ballou Hall. They read the newspaper and talk to one another. Many have placed their cameras on the ground. 1:10:49: V: A group of people, including Elias and the African American man in the red shirt, is gathered in front of the entrance to Ballou Hall. A sign on the door to Ballou Hall reads, "The poeple united will never be defeated." A sign on one of the columns of the portico reads, "Down with racist pig-dogs." Groups of people standing beneath the portico talk casually to one another. Three Tufts University police officers stand in front of the doors to Ballou Hall. Elias and two other people enter the hall, passing behind the police officers. The crowd of students outside of the hall begins to clap rhythmically. Student protesters who had been inside of the building appear in the foyer of Ballou Hall. They sit down and begin to sing and clap. The police officers continue to block the entrance of the building. Shots of students sitting and standing behind the police officers. The students sing and clap. A sign above the entranceway reads, "The police close the doors if we talk to you." Someone closes the inner doors to the building. The students are behind the doors. 1:15:22: V: Close-up shot of a Tufts University Police Department logo on the uniform of a police officer. Two white male Tufts officials confer in front of the entrance to Ballou Hall. A sign hangs in front of the portico reading, "Biko Hall." The police officers stand casually beneath the portico. Student protesters are visible through the glass windows on the doors to Ballou Hall. The windows also reflect back the scene on the quad. Elias and the African American man in the red shirt exit Ballou Hall. The protesters stand in the foyer of Ballou Hall. They clap their hands and chant, "The people united will never be defeated." The students sit and stand in the entrance to the building, behind the police officers. The students hold hands. 1:18:13: V: The students occupying Ballou Hall are visible behind the police officers who are blocking the entrance. The students stand and clap their hands in unison to music. The students sing along with the song "Free Nelson Mandela." The police officers stand quietly in front of the students. Students and the media stand under the portico, facing the protesters inside the hall. Several students clap and sing along with the protesters inside the hall. The students begin to clap and chant, "The people united will never be defeated." Camera crews tape students inside the building. Students standing under the portico clap and chant. The students begin to chant, "Apartheid kills. Tufts pays the bills." Shots of individual students clapping and chanting." Students chant, "Apartheid no. Financial aid yes."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/26/1985

Tufts University Apartheid Protest

Description: Student demonstrators occupy Ballou Hall at Tufts University to protest Tufts' refusal to divest completely from South Africa. Students sit and stand under the portico of the building while they chant and sing. Protesters are visible through the windows of the upper floors of the building. Protest signs hang at the door and in the windows of the building. A protest sign hanging at the entrance to the building renames it "Biko Hall." Tufts University police officers stand near the students under the portico of the building. A student hands out copies of a newspaper to passersby. She urges them to support the protesters. Tufts' University officials stand near a tree. One official has taped a sign for Admissions to the tree. David Gow (Tufts University class of 1984) talks to the protesters under the portico at Ballou Hall. He gives them advice about how to deal with university administration. One of the protest leaders condemns the administration's decision not to let food or people into Ballou Hall during the student occupation. A Tufts University police officer intercepts a box of tea that someone has tried to throw to the protesters. Interview with Pierre Laurent, the Director of the International Relations Program about the protest. Laurent says that student protests across the nation have been effective in drawing public attention to the issue of divestment. Laurent says that he does not know how the Tufts administration will respond to the demonstration. Interview with a white male student about the demonstration. The student criticizes Tufts' policy of selective divestment and says that Tufts will eventually come around to the demonstrators' position. The student says that he feels a kinship with other student protesters across the nation.
1:00:29: Visual: Student apartheid protesters occupy Ballou Hall at Tufts University. The students sit in front of the entrance to the building. They sing and clap their hands. Tufts University police officers and bystanders stand in front of the building. A handlettered sign over the building entrance reads, "Biko Hall." A police officer stands in front of the students who are sitting and standing in the entrance to the building. A sign on one of the doors reads, "Steve Biko. We will not forget." A Hispanic male student stands under the portico of the building, facing the students in the entrance. He sings and claps along with the students. Several other students stand under the portico. Shots of two white female students under the portico, singing and clapping with the others. The students finish their song. They begin to chant, "Divest now." Shot of students standing inside the building. The students are crowded in the foyer, facing out. They clap and chant. Shots of Tufts University police officers. Two white female students stand together at the edge of the portico, chanting and clapping. The students begin to chant, "Apartheid kills. Tufts pays the bills." Close-up shots of two students clapping along with the chant of the protestors. Shot of a sign hanging in front of the building. The sign reads, "Stop Tufts' racism. Get our $$ out of apartheid." Student protesters are visible on the upper floor of the building, looking out through a window. Protest signs are posted in the window. Students tap the glass, keeping beat with the chants. The students continue to chant. The police officers stand nonchalantly in front of the building. 1:04:40: V: The students stop chanting. Shot of student protestors looking out of the second floor window. Signs posted in the window read, "This is a peaceful demonstration against racism. Why are our police denying us food?" Another sign reads "Biko Hall." A female protester urges students to stay and support the demonstration. A female protester hands out a newspaper called Young Spartacus. The headline of the newspaper reads, "Smash apartheid." She talks about the newspaper to two female students. Three Tufts officials confer on the Tufts quadrangle. One of the officials tapes a sign reading, "Admissions: Tours and Information" to a tree. The official says that he needed to be creative, so he made the sign for admissions and came outside. 1:06:07: V: Shots of the crowd gathered in front of Ballou Hall. Four Tufts University police officers stand in front of the entrance to the building. David Gow (Tufts University class of 1984) addresses the students. Gow says that the protesters had demanded to meet with the Board of Trustees; that the protesters had demanded that the Trustees make a decision about divestment within six weeks time. Gow points out that the Trustees never made a decision to divest. Gow notes that the administration and Jean Mayer (President, Tufts University) are very shrewd in its dealings with student groups; that the administration knows that the academic year is drawing to a close; that the protests will die down when the students leave. Gow makes reference to a student protest which took place a few years ago. The alumnus tells the protesters to continue their "excellent work." The alumnus wishes the protesters well. The students applaud. 1:07:57: V: A student protest leader tells a story of past protesters who had to break into a meeting of the Board of Trustees. Shots of the campus police officers. The Tufts officials continue to stand near the tree with the admissions sign. The student leader continues to speak. The leader points out that the school administration is not letting people or food into Biko Hall. Shots of individual protesters sitting in the entrance of the building. The student leader says that the Tufts administration is avoiding the real issue of divestment. The protesters pass around leaflets put out by the Tufts administration. The student leader reads from the leaflet. The leaflet states that 185 students have occupied Ballou Hall. The speaker is interrupted by a commotion. The protesters are urging someone to throw food to them. A police officer is shown holding a box of tea which someone tried to throw to the students. The police officer examines the box of tea. 1:09:26: Callie Crossley interviews Pierre Laurent (Director, International Relations Program) about the demonstration on the Tufts quadrangle. Laurent says that this is one demonstration among many which are taking place across the nation; that the protests are forcing many institutions to reconsider their commitment to the Reagan administration's policy of "constructive engagement" with South Africa. Laurent says that the protests appear to be effective in making institutions reconsider their policies toward South Africa. Laurent says that he does not know if the protest will be effective at Tufts. Crossley asks if the student protests are drawing the public's attention to the issue. Laurent says that the students' calls for justice are being noted by university officials; that the protests will be noticed by the wider public. Laurent says that some do not agree with the means used by the protesters; that the protests are effective in drawing attention to the issue. 1:12:09: V: Crossley interviews a white male student wearing a button reading, "Divest now." Crossley asks why the students are occupying Ballou Hall. The student says that the Tufts administration had agreed to divest in 1979; that the administration has not followed through on its promise. The student says that the administration had agreed to divest in companies who refused to sign the "Sullivan Proposal." The student explains that the Sullivan Principles regulate companies doing business in South Africa. The student says that the protesters want to draw attention to the issue of apartheid; that "constructive engagement" is a failing policy. Crossley comments that the administration is not allowing food into the building. She wonders if the Tufts administration is listening to the protesters. The student says that he is glad that the media are covering the protest. The student says that the protest will be a success because the protesters have drawn attention to the university's role in apartheid. Crossley asks the student how the university will respond to the demonstration. The student says that he thinks the university will come around eventually; that the students are trying to move the decision-making process along. The student admits that Jean Mayer (President of Tufts University) is in a difficult position. Crossley asks the student if he feels a kinship with other student protesters across the nation. The student names some other universities where protests are being held. The student says that the protesters are trying to give moral support to the people of South Africa; that the US protests are front page news in South Africa. The crew takes a cutaway shot of Crossley and the student.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1985