 In fall 1968, another controversy occurred when President Halladay "abruptly canceled" a speaking appearance by African American comedian Dick Gregory, an activist in the civil rights movement and opponent of the Vietnam War who was considered to be "especially controversial among conservative politicians".A spirited dialogue ensued on campus, including a three-hour debate sponsored by the student senate, and ultimately Gregory did make an appearance at ETSU two years later in 1970.Many popular student activities continued from previous eras, including Children's Day, Down South Week, Old South Week, and Western Week, as well as homecoming.