Title: COLUMBIA STUDENTS TO END ANTI-APARTHEID PROTEST - The New York Times
Headings: COLUMBIA STUDENTS TO END ANTI-APARTHEID PROTEST
COLUMBIA STUDENTS TO END ANTI-APARTHEID PROTEST
By Larry Rohter
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Content: They argued in court that their action constituted ''symbolic speech,'' and was thus protected by the First Amendment. Judge Sherman, however, ruled that these considerations had to give way to the more basic concern for the safety hazard that he said the demonstration presented. '' While the evil policy of apartheid is an affront to human rights, the narrow issue here is one of public safety,'' he said. The First Amendment, he added, ''does not permit the padlocking of a building which could result in endangering innocent lives.'' The judge's ruling came after more than a week of negotiations under his supervision between lawyers for the university and the students. Praise for Both Sides
In a statement preceding his order, Judge Sherman praised both sides for showing ''good faith'' but expressed regret at the inability to reach a negotiated solution. He also urged ''that the parties continue their negotiations peacefully.'' Later in the evening, the Union Theological Seminary announced that its board of directors had voted to sell its holdings in American companies with ''major, direct involvement in South Africa.'' The decision to sell an undisclosed portion of its $33 million endowment followed a yearlong study by a special committee of board members. During the negotiations in the Columbia demonstration, the students had moved away from their original demand of complete divestment within three years and amnesty for all demonstrators, instead recommending the creation of a special committee to examine the school's investment policy regarding South Africa.