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Show New Left in chaos Last fall a few left-wing students gathered together and wondered what could be done about arousing a political consciousness among other students with similar philosophies at the University. There had been the April Committee in past years, not wholly unsuccessful, and some new direction seemed to be needed. Maybe if the movement were tied to something nationally, maybe that would provide the impetus to make the new left go on this campus. Somebody mentioned the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), an organization of young people of varying degrees left. . The idea took hold. As many as 80 people showed up at the Monday noon meetings to work for getting a SDS chapter recognized as a campus organization. A lot of excitement filled the air. The right wing on campus protested SDS being recognized, which lead to a debate between SDS and the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), a right wing group, in the Union ballroom. The Student Affairs Committee held an open meeting in the Union Little Theatre and people from all sides gave their views on SDS. Letters protesting its establishment flooded the Chronicle, student government and University administration offices. The Law College faculty and English faculty called for SDS to be recognized. All through the hassle period, large numbers of interested people turned out at the SDS meetings. All these prospective members worked toward the goal of seeing SDS recognized. Finally, the day before Thanksgiving, Student Affairs approved SDS recognition. Two weeks later, the Board of Regents okayed it also. After the loss of "being recognized" as an issue, however, SDS suffered from a lack of direction and concerted action. This resulted in apathy among members, and a tapering decrease in attendance. Those attending the last meeting agreed that SDS needed to develop unity to function as a viable organization. It was decided that a "rap-in," or discussion extending over several hours should be held so the group could develop some concerted action by exploring the philosophies of the members . and seeing "where each person's head is at." The meeting will be held Saturday, in the Campus Christian Center, 232 University St., starting at 3 p.m. It is important that people who think left be at this meeting. It will be one of the few times where a basis for 3ction can be hammered out. |