Has Berkeley Mellowed? - University of California at Berkeley - Brief Article

Matrix: The Magazine for Leaders in Education, Oct, 2000 by Stephanie Brenowitz

But like many an activist before her, she is dedicated and plans to work on educating students and the administration even after severing her official ties as a student. The fact that Berkeley didn't live up to her dreams of an activist utopia isn't deterring her--it's making her more determined than ever.

"Berkeley was considered a leader in the past in changing the world," Williams said. "We are just giving them the opportunity to be a leader again."

Traditional Politics Not As Popular As Social Issues

In addition to its reputation for radicalism, Berkeley used to be known for its activity in traditional politics as well--the famous Free Speech movement began when the UC regents tried to ban political gatherings and demonstrations at the entrance to campus on the eve of the important 1964 election. Students from conservative and liberal groups banned together to protest for several months, sitting in civil disobedience style and getting carted off to jail.

For months, thousands of students gathered at nightly vigils and rallies to protest what they believed was the suppression of their First Amendment rights to gather and speak in public places about political and social issues. Even members of the traditionally conservative fraternities and sororities signed petitions in support of the Free Speech movement.

Dec. 2, 1964, a junior named Mario Savio made a speech to the protesters that echoed around the world: "There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part; you can't even passively take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're flee, the machines will be prevented from working at all."

Joan Baez then led more than 1,500 students to take administrative building, Sproul Hall, singing "We Shall Overcome." Students occupied the building all night, teaching each other civil disobedience tricks, studying, and even conducting Hanukkah services. More than 700 were arrested.

A week later, more than 800 faculty members voted in support of the students' demands to be allowed to return to engaging in political activities openly on campus. The university rescinded the ban, and the president of Berkeley and the chancellor of the UC system lost their jobs.

The incident sparked protests on campuses around the country and set off Berkeley's worldwide reputation for political activism. But students who are now active in traditional politics say that interest in changing the world with a vote has slacked off considerably.

Activists like McFadden handing out pamphlets are becoming a rare sight on the Berkeley campus, and not just because he's advertising the Young Republicans.

"Most people just don't care," said McFadden, who just finished his freshman year. "I would have to aggressively pass out literature and really engage them. I thought it would be more political. I saw just a few Democrats and no Republicans."