Golden Valley High School - Viking Yearbook (Golden Valley, MN)

Page 14 text:

The U.S. intervention into Cambodia in the spring of 1970 caused the undeclared Vietnam War to become the Southeast Asian War, bringing fear of continued and widening participation by U.S. troops. Student reaction against President Nixon's decision to widen and win the war took the form of student strikes. Over 400 universities and colleges were closed as students attended teach-ins and other forms of demonstration against the government's actions. At Kent State U. in Ohio, four students were slain by National Guardsmen who opened fire on a demonstration. First reactions at GVHS came from U. of M. and St. Louis Park High students, who used lunch hours to give soapbox orations that appeared to be more of an ego trip than sincere commitment. The Student Council was at first content to sponsor an assembly, presenting the pros and cons of the intervention. It was held Monday, May 11, but limited to one hour, ending with the matter unresolved. After the assembly the Student Council held a special meeting and asked for a day of introspection concerning the war. The administration agreed to let any student 10

Page 13 text:

 i nnT r f in hi IP Mil CJ V- J 1' IMIO M y v r vuik, « • MU Hell no UJi vJori'j‘c|o! 5$ A The students activities became more obvious as the year progressed. Student concern for environmental controls prompted the administration sponsored Ecology Day program. Classes were replaced with seminars and demonstrations concerning pollution and ecology. Taking time from regular classes for special programs had become common during the school year, taking an entire day was the next logical step. The old form of soc-hops, pep clubs and yo-yo spinning was confronted by informal diversions, ecology and the Vietcong flag. The result was the dessimination of student attitudes, and the disintegration of the GVHS produced, sterotyped, All-American bore. The extent with which the school had altered its standards was reflected in the administration's response to the students actions against the U.S. intervention into Cambodia. 9

Page 15 text:

with parental permission attend seminars around the U. of M. campus or attend a teach-in at Natchez Park (by the school), in place of regular classes. Over 100 students took advantage of the day, though 19 didn't bother with a permission slip and were suspended. The teach-in at Natchez Park was completed by noon. Although one of the guest speakers announced that the strike committee at the U. wanted high school kids to go back to their schools, few of the students present agreed with the committee and went to university demonstrations instead. That morning both the band and choir left on a two day concert tour so by the afternoon less that 200 students were left in school. With enameled lapel flags clashing with flags made into pockets, and concern for a C note contrasted with concern for Cambodia — GV students created a decidedly different and diversified education than had been the case in more placid eras. it