The Intercultural Center was set on fire during a noon rally on the Union lawn this past Monday. This event follows several weeks of increasing tension and violence on the University of Utah campus.
Recent activities have included a bomb in the ROTC building, a mob at the Chronicle office, bomb threats in the Park Building, and stink bombs in Orson Spencer Hall.
While the burned building was a structure scheduled to be torn down by the end of the week, the recent arson is being viewed as an action that does not achieve political accomplishments. The author of the editorial suggests that such destruction fails to influence President James C. Fletcher or impact President Richard M. Nixon's decision regarding troops in Cambodia.
The text argues that those responsible for the fire have used the conscientious protests of others for destructive purposes. It further states that it is a mistake to blame the entire left movement or those seeking reform for the irrational actions of a few.
There is a call for the University to allow expression on both sides without resorting to childish actions. The editorial suggests that change can be achieved through legitimate channels, such as the Executive Council of elected studentbody representatives and the Student Liaison Committee, which should proceed to the Institutional Council to address current demands.
