This issue of Contac from May, 1974 features articles about the April 23 sit-in at the Wilbur Cross Library. There is a description of the “march of silence” to Gulley Hall, which delivered the demands of protestors to UConn’s administration. These demands included a larger Cultural Center, better support for black and minority students, and the university’s dedication to an Affirmative Action Plan. This issue also features first-hand accounts of the sit-in at the library, which was held when the demonstrators’ demands were not met. There is an editorial denouncing UConn President Ferguson’s decision to send in the State Police to remove the student protesters and charge them. Also included are images of the students’ removal by the police, and a report of a meeting between President Ferguson and members of the black community to discuss the events of the sit-in. There is a reprint of a statement made by UConn student Alex DuPuy to the University Senate, a piece about black athletes on campus, and an article about the racism of B.F. Skinner’s Behavior Modification concept. In addition, the issue includes excerpts from a speech by Professor Tobias Schwartz, co-chair of the National Committee Against Racism. There is a history of Reggae music, a piece about musician Ahmad Jamal, an article about the performances at the university’s Jazz Workshop, and information about the jazz group ANKH. The issue also contains a report of the first meeting of four black fraternities, as well as an international news section. The issue closes with articles about racism in the criminal justice system by prisoners Mikal Lewis and Daryl Sanders III, both incarcerated at Osborne State Prison.
