Draft:1972 Students United of Southern University

= Students United and the 1972 Student Movement at Southern University Baton Rouge =

I. Background
The late 1960s marked a period of sustained civil unrest on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. These protests and demonstrations emerged in the wake of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which sought to address issues of racial segregation and voting rights. As young adults recognized their pivotal roles in the broader civil rights movement, they turned their attention towards the issues directly affecting their futures, particularly the educational experiences and conditions within their respective institutions of higher learning.

Black students attending HBCUs during this era understood that disparities in facilities, educational resources, and funding between black and white institutions would ultimately lead to unequal career opportunities after graduation. This realization galvanized them to take action. They felt that silence in the face of such inequalities amounted to an acceptance of the historically disadvantaged position of the black community.

Students at HBCUs embarked on a journey of questioning the conditions and circumstances prevailing at their institutions. This questioning laid the groundwork for a burgeoning civil rights movement within the Southern University System and other HBCUs across the South. These students recognized that they possessed First Amendment rights, and they used these rights to bring attention to the disparities in resources between black and white public institutions.

Southern University Student Movement in Baton Rouge
The Southern University student movement in Baton Rouge emerged in response to critical issues of social justice and institutional reform during the early 1970s. It all began with the Psychology Club's engagement with the owner of the Ann Theater on Scenic Highway, and swiftly evolved into a broader movement addressing a spectrum of grievances. This eventually led to the formation of Students United, a coalition of students committed to effecting change on their campus and uplifting the Black community.

The Ann Theater, located on Scenic Highway, was in a state of disrepair, and it's programming primarily featured adult films, which were deemed inappropriate for the children who frequently attended. Unwilling to accept these conditions, the Psychology Club, under the leadership of President Charlene 'Sukari' Hardnett, drew inspiration from the profound philosophy of Dr. Charles Waddell, a distinguished chairman of the Psychology department. Dr. Waddell consistently emphasized that students had a responsibility that extended beyond the classroom and into the broader community. As a respected figure, his teachings focused on empowering and enriching the Black community.

The initial efforts of the Psychology Club to engage the theater owner in discussions to improve the situation were met with resistance. However, when the students organized a community boycott of the theater, the owner eventually agreed to renovate the theater and provide age-appropriate showings for the young audience. This compromise brought a temporary end to the boycott, but the owner's failure to fulfill the agreement led to the revitalization of the students' efforts against the theater.

Simultaneously, professors who shared the professorship qualities of Dr. Waddell were systematically being removed from Southern University. Their removal was often linked to their advocacy for nation-building within the Black community through their instruction to students. Notably, white professors who engaged in prejudiced behavior were retained, further fueling the students' grievances. This disparity in treatment became a focal point and contributed to the emergence of a university-wide movement. The unfulfilled promises by Southern University to expand the Psychology Department's resources for experimental and statistical testing to support the Black community led to Dr. Charles Waddell's resignation. He cited a lack of support for the Psychology Department from the university's administration as the basis for his decision.

Students United is formed
Recognizing that change required the support and persistence of those most affected by the university's inadequacies, the student body came together under the banner of Students United. This organization was formed in the fall of 1972, bringing together a coalition of 41 campus organizations. Notably, Blackstone Society of the Political Science Department, led by Rickey ‘Malik’ Hill, played a critical role in forming Students United and developing organizing tactics.

Students United included all Southern University students involved in and sympathetic to the movement, but a more centralized group would make up its core leadership. These students met faithfully to organize goals, objectives, and strategies to present to the student body, the university administration and state legislators. The core members included Charlene ‘Sukari’ Hardnett, Ricky ‘Malik’ Hill, Herget ‘Sababu’ Harris, Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Howard, Paul Shrivers, and Fredrick ‘Fred’ Prejean.

Significantly, Students United deliberately operated as a leaderless organization. The name itself, chosen with purpose, emphasized that there would be no single leader. Instead, the students were 'students' united in their mission to create change on campus and empower the Black community. The grievances they brought to the administration and their unwavering commitment to social justice encompassed the feelings of most students at Southern University.

The Southern University student movement in Baton Rouge exemplified the power of collective action and student-led initiatives in challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for meaningful change within their institution and community.

Student Grievances
Students United were resolute in their demands for change. Their list of grievances included:

1. Equal Institutional Funding: Students insisted that their institutions receive the same level of funding as predominantly white institutions to address resource disparities.

2. Modernized Curricula: They advocated for updated curricula that would better prepare them for the job market and allow them to contribute to their communities.

3. Healthcare: Access to healthcare was a fundamental demand, as students recognized the importance of physical and mental well-being for their academic success.

4. Improved Facilities: They sought upgraded and equitable facilities for learning, living, and recreation.

5. Participation in Decision-Making: Students demanded a say in the decision-making processes of their institutions, emphasizing the importance of their perspectives when it came to policy, budgeting, staffing, and curricula.

As Students United sought the University's consideration of their concerns, the students were met with great resistance. Several meetings with Southern University's President, Dr. George Leon Netterville, provided no relief. The students regarded his need to always confer with the State Board of Education, and other non-university administrators, as proof that he was but a face intended only to shield those responsible for the decisions that kept the University, and its students, stagnant. After concluding that the power to produce the demanded change did not lie with President Netterville, the students took their concerns directly to the source of their grievances, the State Board of Education, then to the Governor of Louisiana.

II. Timeline of Students United
Students United assembled a chronology of events of their struggle and accepted an offer by Fisk University Sociology Professor Dr. Abdul Alkalimat (formerly Gerald McWorter), to have them published by the Peoples College Press. They published a document titled, “Support yOur Struggle – Documents of Students United,” so that their truth could be recorded into history. The following events were extracted from that document, along with A Chronology of a Crisis at Southern University and newspaper articles that support the recollections of Students United.

The 1972 Students United Movement at Southern University Baton Rouge was a momentous student-led civil rights movement. It's aim was to address a range of grievances, including demands for increased student participation in university governance, the removal of key administrators, and changes in the university's policies. This movement gained nationwide attention and was characterized by nonviolent protests, boycotts, and negotiations. The following chronology details the key events and developments during the movement.

Monday, October 16, 1972

The Students United movement began when students reacted to the resignation of Professor Charles Waddell, which they attributed to the administration's lack of commitment to the community and instrumental instructors. Students initiated a meeting with the university's president, Dr. Leon Netterville, to demand change.

Tuesday, October 17, 1972

Late at night, a group of students protested at the home of President Netterville, expressing their opposition to Dr. Waddell's resignation.

Wednesday, October 18, 1972

Dr. Waddell officially submitted his resignation to the university, and Students United continued to organize and seek ways to address their grievances while developing ‘vehicles to deal with the issues.’

Thursday, October 19, 1972

Dr. Waddell declined to reconsider his resignation, and Students United distributed documents regarding faculty resignations and removals. They requested a meeting with university administrators but were met only by the Dean of Sciences.

Friday, October 20, 1972

Displeased with the administration's misrepresentation of the President and Vice President's attendance at the previous day's meeting, students marched to President Netterville's office, seeking answers. They demanded a meeting, held outside his office, during which Charlene 'Sukari' Harnett presented Students United's demands for President Netterville to address the issues or resign. President Netterville requested written grievances for formal review. Following this, Students United moved to the Men's Gymnasium, where around 2,000 students called for a class boycott.

Saturday, October 21, 1972

The core members of Students United began drafting an official list of grievances.

Sunday, October 22, 1972

Students United collected grievances from various academic departments, questioning the university's commitment to advancing the black community and called for student-driven councils.

Monday, October 23, 1972

A collective document of departmental grievances was submitted to President Netterville, who requested time to consult university administrators. Faculty members also met to address department-specific issues.

Wednesday, October 24, 1972

President Netterville met with Students United in a mass meeting where Dr. Rogers Newman, Chairman of the Mathematics Department, shared the University Senate's response. It stated that students would have input in university governance through representation at departmental levels, and the university was addressing its physical needs as funds became available. Students United viewed this response as a lack of seriousness in addressing their grievances and rejected it. Ricky Hill emphasized their commitment to education, saying, "We are serious about our education and what we are doing."

Students United took their concerns to the State Board of Education, staging a march to the State Capitol. At the Capitol, Fred Prejean called for the resignations of President G. Leon Netterville, Vice President E. C. Harrison, and Dr. Lewis L. White, Dean of the College of Sciences. This call for resignations garnered significant media attention. Governor Edwin Edwards, recognizing the gravity of the student grievances, organized a meeting with the students and the State Board of Education.

Thursday, October 25, 1972

Faculty members and staff publicly denounced the call for university officials' resignations, asserting that they did not support the demand.

Friday, October 26, 1972

A committee from the State Board of Education held a session to hear student-proposed recommendations but failed to address their needs. Students continued to organize on campus, demanding the establishment of councils and a new university president.

Saturday, October 27, 1972

The faculty appointed a Faculty-Advisory committee, and Students United engaged in discussions to modify their proposals for councils and administrative resignations. The State Board of Education met, and a meeting was arranged with the students to address their demands.

Sunday, October 28, 1972

The students held a private meeting to discuss their grievances with President Netterville. The President accepted their idea and model for the Executive Council, but to the students, it remained clear he was not ready to address their overall grievances.

At Southern University New Orleans (SUNO), hundreds of students began a class boycott.

Monday, October 30, 1972

The State Board's committee sent to investigate student complaints faced rejection during a student rally, prolonging the class boycott. Simultaneously, the Faculty-Advisory Council maintained its stance against the students' resignation proposal. The University Administrative Council appointed an Administrative Negotiating Committee to mediate between faculty and students. The Council issued the following statements:

I. Class Attendance: Classes will proceed as scheduled, with students encouraged to attend. Those who choose to attend classes will receive support. The Council emphasized the importance of orderly semester completion and ongoing efforts to address grievances.

'''II. University Governance:''' The University aims to foster strong Black Student Leadership, with involvement from all segments, including students, at every governance level.

'''III. University Commitment:''' President Netterville affirmed the institution's commitment to creating a true Black University for the betterment of Black people in the country.

The Faculty-Advisory Committee met with Students United leaders, but all decisions were rejected. Allegedly, Fred Prejean made a statement to the committee, indicating upcoming actions, with President Netterville claiming unawareness of the forthcoming event.

Tuesday, October 31, 1972 (The Shutdown)

Students attempted to escort the President and Vice President off campus, but they had already left. The University officially closed due to rising tensions and safety concerns, and students were instructed to leave. The community provided shelter, and law enforcement was placed on standby.

President Netterville announced the University's closure and ordered everyone off campus by 6:00 p.m., with exceptions for athletes and band members. This action was taken in response to disruptions and alleged threats toward faculty.

Wednesday, November 1, 1972

Students United continued to organize within the community, while students at Southern University New Orleans took over their Administration Building.

Thursday, November 2, 1972

Students United sought assistance from the Scotlandville Area Advisory Council to address their demands. The committee expressed willingness to help with some requests but not the resignation of administrative officials.

Friday, November 3, 1972

A smaller Scotlandville committee approved some of the student's demands, including establishing councils with voting powers.

The University announced its reopening on November 6, emphasizing the importance of focused study and learning. The following guidelines were issued:


 * 1) All classes will follow the regular schedule.
 * 2) Unauthorized group meetings in emergency facilities are prohibited.
 * 3) Students should avoid participating in unauthorized assemblies.
 * 4) Final exams begin on December 1 for seniors and December 8 for other students.
 * 5) Seniors should consult deans and department chairs for degree completion matters.
 * 6) The withdrawal deadline without penalty was extended to November 6.
 * 7) Students seeking financial aid for the second semester should apply by November 20.

Sunday, November 5, 1972

Students maintained their organizing efforts and convened a meeting with parents to clarify their demands and the reasons behind the boycott.

An informal faculty meeting proposed individual faculty discussions with Students United core members to restore communication. However, Students United insisted on collective student meetings. Subsequently, two faculty members met with core members and Professor George Baker to discuss reopening negotiations with the administration, potential consequences of confrontations, and students' earlier refusal to engage with members of the State Board of Education.

Monday, November 6, 1972

The University reopened with class boycotts remaining 75% effective. A daily meeting was cut short when Sheriff Deputies, including a riot squad and armored cars, arrived on campus. Core members of Students United advised students to return to their dorms to avoid confrontation. Subsequently, Students United held a press conference, condemning the University for involving law enforcement and criticizing its overall governance.

Tuesday, November 7, 1972

Organizing continued through class boycotts and daily meetings. The administration locked the Men’s Gym and Students United moved the daily meeting to the Women’s Gym. They discussed reasons behind the demand for the President's resignation.

Governor Edwards appointed 23 people to the Blue-Ribbon Committee to investigate the situation at Southern University campuses in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Wednesday, November 8, 1972

The first Blue-Ribbon Committee meeting occurred in New Orleans, leading to Dr. James Prestage's resignation due to the appointment of a Southern representative. In the Women's Gym, Students United met, and Fred Prejean's mother expressed her support for the movement.

Unexplained explosions inside T.T. Allain Hall prompted Sheriff Deputies to standby, and they eventually entered the campus with City Police, heavily armed, despite the absence of a violent threat. The University Administration issued warrants for the arrest of at least seven Students United members. Attempts to arrange a meeting between Students United and President Netterville by the Faculty-Advisory Committee and the Administration Negotiating Committee were postponed.

Thursday, November 9, 1972

Students United leaders Ricky Hill and Nathaniel Howard were arrested and charged with "obstruction or interference of educational processes and facilities." Around 275 armed sheriff deputies entered the Baton Rouge campus, prompting Students United to advise students to avoid the streets to prevent encounters with law enforcement.

At the New Orleans campus, students occupied the Administration Building until President Bashful's resignation later that day. Although they surrendered the building, they continued their class boycott and expressed additional demands.

This evening, representatives of the Governor held a meeting with Students United at the T. J. Gilliam Villa, informing them that they came to convey the Governor's sentiments, not negotiate. The representatives emphasized the Governor's stance on not tolerating a situation similar to New Orleans on the Baton Rouge campus, stating that if anything similar occurred, the Governor would act at his discretion without seeking advice or consultation.

Friday, November 10, 1972

Students United held their daily meeting, and the class boycott continued at a 70% effectiveness rate. Meanwhile, the University Senate, Faculty-Advisory Committee, and Blue-Ribbon Committee had separate meetings.

President Netterville convened the University Senate meeting with department chairs, deans, and available faculty to discuss ways to reopen negotiations with students to ease campus tensions. The Senate recommended removing police from campus, dropping warrants against leaders, and having the Administrative Negotiating Committee, Faculty-Advisory Committee, and Students United meet for an agreement. Four at-large members were appointed, and negotiations were to start immediately. The Senate also discussed protesting the Governor's interference in educational matters to avoid an outcome like SUNO.

The Faculty-Advisory Committee discussed reopening negotiations and formed a position. The Blue-Ribbon Committee initially met with students in Parker Hall but moved to the Men's Gym as per Students United's request. In the gym, Students United demanded the immediate implementation of several measures. The Committee clarified its role in making recommendations to the Governor, expressing difficulty working with a large student body, and returned to Parker Hall to continue the meeting.

Notably, the three independent meetings reached the same conclusions: removing the police force, dropping the warrants, and granting academic amnesty. The University Senate and Faculty-Advisory Committee recommended immediate negotiations.

Saturday, November 11, 1972

Students United convened in front of Parker Hall, where Prejean informed them of plans to boycott the scheduled game against Florida A&M University at University Stadium. Around 500 students participated, intending to sit in the stands until the game began, walk around the track, and exit through the west gate. However, some students decided to march and sit on the field, delaying the game.

Deliberations with Southern officials lasted around 20 minutes. Sababu, a Student United leader, convinced students to leave the field, as continuing to disrupt the game might cost them the support of the spectators. The game resumed after the students departed.

Sunday, November 12, 1972

Students United maintained their organizational efforts and garnered community support by holding a meeting in the Women's Gym with the Concerned Parents and Interested Citizens group. During this meeting, Students United clarified their reasons for the boycott and their demand for the President's resignation.

Monday, November 13, 1972

President Netterville met with the administration, faculty, and Students United, explaining his reasons for not resigning. Students United met with the Blue-Ribbon Committee to clarify objectives and proposals, while the Faculty-Advisory Committee discussed academic amnesty terms. That evening, Students United met with faculty members, maintaining their demand for President Netterville's resignation, and class boycotts persisted.

Tuesday, November 14, 1972

Students United presented to the Blue-Ribbon Committee on the incompetence of the present administration. University faculty and administrators also testified before the Committee.

Wednesday, November 15, 1972

Boycott participation reached 99%. Students United disregarded campus security's request to leave the Women's Gym where their daily meetings took place. President Netterville, along with the Vice President and faculty, worked on final amnesty plans, but distribution was delayed due to printing issues. President Netterville reactivated warrants for student arrests.

Thursday, November 16, 1972

Around 4:00 a.m., Sheriff Deputies arrested four Students United members, Charlene 'Sukari' Hardnett, Paul Shrivers, Fred Prejean, and Louis Anthony, following the reactivation of warrants issued on November 8th. Prejean was charged with criminal trespass, while the others faced charges of 'obstruction or interference with an educational institution.'

Students United rallied and approached the President to understand the reason for the arrests and seek their release. Nathaniel Howard recalled that President Netterville had approved their presence in the Administration Building and stated, "There wasn't any fear at all. No doors were blocked. No one ever asked us to leave the building."”

Law enforcement later arrived at the Administration Building with a large tank called Big Bertha, while students gathered to witness the significant police presence. Eventually, law enforcement moved in on the unarmed, nonviolent student group. Tear gas was deployed, leading to a chaotic scene. Denver Smith and Leonard 'Douglas' Brown lost their lives during this incident, although law enforcement reported only using tear gas. Howard and two others were arrested.

Governor Edwards suspended the operations of the Blue-Ribbon Committee, and the State Board of Education rejected SUNO President's resignation.

Friday, November 17, 1972

President Netterville sent termination letters to faculty members Dr. Joseph Johnson, Chair of the Physics Department, and Professor George Baker, Jr., Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, alleging that they had supported the student protests leading to the tragic confrontation.

Monday, November 20, 1972

A follow-up letter was sent to Johnson and Baker, granting them the right to appeal the decision.

Herget 'Sababu' Harris voluntarily surrendered himself upon learning of a warrant for his arrest, marking the end of Southern Administration's arrests related to unauthorized campus meetings. Sababu faced charges of obstruction or interference in an educational institution and was released on the same day on a $1,000 bond.

III. The Aftermath of the November 16th Tragedy
On November 16, 1972, a tragic incident occurred on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University, resulting in the deaths of Denver Smith and Leonard 'Douglas' Brown, who were fatally shot by law enforcement. The incident unfolded in front of the Administration Building, where the victims lay in blood before their bodies were removed from the scene. Additionally, Leonard Jackson and James E. Jackson sustained injuries from the shootings that took place on that fateful day.

Following the tragic events, James E. Jackson faced charges of disturbing the peace and interfering with an officer after his hospital release, though these charges were later dropped without a court appearance. The aftermath saw the expulsion and banning of nine students from Southern University as of February 6, 1973, with some being core members of a movement and others having minimal involvement. Furthermore, faculty members were terminated without due process for their alleged involvement in the movement.

Media coverage at the time characterized supporters as radical and militant, perpetuating a false narrative that President Netterville was being held hostage in the Administration Building. However, it was later revealed, according to the Attorney General's report, that Netterville had left the building to attend a State Board meeting long before law enforcement arrived. He had requested the students to await his return, and there was no hostage situation as initially reported. The misinformation led to the nonviolent students being met with inhumane force by law enforcement officers.

In the aftermath of litigation, subsequent bans, and expulsions, some affected students were unable to continue their educational pursuits in Louisiana. Hindered by a negative reputation, they were compelled to relocate to other states to pursue academic and professional careers. The state upheld the University's misrepresentation of student actions and overall movement objectives.

Fred Prejean and Louis J. Anthony, initially banned and expelled, had their bans and expulsions overturned, allowing them to receive their degrees with stipulated University involvement moving forward. Chester 'Toki' Stevens, though neither banned nor expelled, was denied participation in the graduation ceremony due to his involvement. He received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering by mail. Ola Sims faced probation due to her involvement but ultimately received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology during the May 1973 graduation ceremonies.

The events of November 16, 1972, left lasting unresolved trauma for the courageous students who had relentlessly advocated for a progressive Southern University System. Members of Students United, along with bystanders who witnessed the tragedy, became victims of an administration that refused to acknowledge their pleas for years to come.

IV. Legacy
The impactful demonstrations led by Students United have engendered enduring transformations on the Southern University campus, leaving an indelible mark to this day. The University, influenced by the sacrifices of Students United, has institutionalized a Faculty Senate and expanded its program offerings to better address the needs and interests of the Black community. An annual appointment of a student representative to the Faculty Senate ensures a dedicated voice for the student body, empowering them to contribute to proposals on its behalf.

In a poignant tribute to the memory of Denver Smith and Leonard 'Douglas' Brown, Southern University has bestowed the name Smith-Brown Memorial Union upon the Student Union. Additionally, a marker has been placed near the site where their lives were tragically cut short, serving as a solemn commemoration of their deaths. The events that transpired at the University in the Fall of 1972 have been thoughtfully preserved through digital archiving efforts, ensuring that the historical significance endures. The University also installed a digital podium within the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, providing a platform to recount the narrative of Students United and the tragic events of November 16, 1972. This initiative serves as a testament to the University's commitment to preserving and disseminating the history of Students United, acknowledging the pivotal role played by these events in shaping the institution's trajectory.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary on November 16, 2022, a historic commemoration ceremony marked the first-ever formal acknowledgment of Students United, providing a platform for the gathering and documentation of their truth. During this significant event, Students United was honored with proclamations from the Louisiana Governor's office, the Baton Rouge Mayor's office, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. These commendations recognized the bravery of Students United and their steadfast commitment to exercising their rights to peaceably assemble and express their freedom of speech. Notably, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state apology, extending condolences not only to the families of the deceased students but also to Students United and all other students whose lives were profoundly impacted by the tragic events of that day. The commemoration ceremony served to illuminate the enduring trauma endured by Students United, allowing them to be celebrated as heroes of their generation.

While no measures could erase the pain endured on November 16, 1972, or during the subsequent 50 years in which their trauma remained concealed, members of Students United exhibited remarkable resilience. Despite facing such adversity, they went on to achieve success in diverse fields, including law, mathematics, engineering, academia, activism, literature, and as providers for their families. Their roles as changemakers at Southern University were not confined to that specific moment but rather a testament to their innate qualities as change agents. The events of November 16, 1972, may have tested their endurance, but their unwavering commitment to the development of Black social consciousness remains and will continue to be an everlasting legacy.