Allen Ginsberg

Allen Ginsberg, the poet laureate of the Beat Generation and a Columbia alumni, told a crowd on campus days after the police evacuation that they needed to practice love more diligently. Ginsberg was also a vanguard of the political protest movements of the 1960s and 70s. He was at the forefront of the sexual revolution, the drug culture and anti-Vietnam war and anti-CIA demonstrations. In 1967 he was arrested in an antiwar protest in New York City. He was arrested again for protesting against the war at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

A message distributed at Columbia's 1968 Commencement.

A message printed on blue paper and distributed to guests at the 1968 Commencement exercise articulated the position of some students:

As students of Columbia University we wish to apologize to the parents, friends of the University, and to the public as a whole for the acts of a few of our number....

These elements determined to tear Columbia down, have labeled the University "despotic," "oppressive," and "illegitimate." Such charges are patently absurd. The very reason the would-be destroyers have been able to attack Columbia so viciously is that a great modern university such as ours does its utmost to encourage free expression of dissent. Columbia's liberal attitude is part of its greatness, but to some students and outside supporters it was to be perverted and callously exploited....

A number of graduating students have threatened to walk out on graduation. This rude, irresponsible, and hostile act against Columbia, fellow students and their families is indicative of the total disregard the strikers have shown for the rights of others. Though highly repugnant, it is only a mild sample of the methods employed by strikers to show their contempt for authority.

We suggest that the parents of these students reassess their own position. Parents who actively condone their children's illegal and immoral behavior, or who by silence and continuing provision of financial aid seem to approve of that behavior, must share responsibility for what has happened at Columbia.

We realize that what has happened will cause some to lose faith in the University, and to condemn all Columbia students for the acts of a few. We wish all to know that we will continue to fight those who are attempting to destroy Columbia. Our hope is that you will support our effort.