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Project

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MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
of the
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
June 3, 1977

Room 109 Anthony Hall

MSU-IRAN FILM PROJECT

Present:  Trustees Carrigan, Bruff, Krolikowski, Martin, Radcliffe, Smydra, Stack, and

Stevens.

President Wharton called  the meeting  to order at 6:15  p.m. and announced  the following
rules of procedure for the meeting:

1.  There must be careful regard  for the right of free speech on the part of everyone.

2.  Advocates of terminating  the project will have one hour to present their viewpoint.

3.  Advocates of continuing  the project will have one hour to present their viewpoint.

4.  Each side then will have fifteen minutes  for rebuttal.

Ten spokespersons presented  arguments for terminating  the project on the general thesis
that its continuation constitutes University  support  of a government which oppresses the
human rights of the Iranian people.

Nine spokespersons  for continuation of the project  argued  the general thesis that its
termination by the Board would  constitute an abridgement of academic freedom and an
improper invasion of responsibilities which  the Board has delegated  to the academic
governance system.

Rebuttal arguments generally  reiterated points made in the initial presentations.

Following  the rebuttal arguments, Trustee Stevens moved  that the Board  comply with the
Bylaws of the Board of Trustees, emphasizing  the provision that the Board  "...looks to
the faculty for recommendations...on  the development  of new academic programs and
modifications or discontinuance of old.11

The motion did not receive a second.

After discussion, Trustee Smydra moved  that Michigan Steve University  sever all relations
and/or any kind of connection with the Iranian film project  and, in respect for his
rights as a private citizen, donate all work to date to Professor  Issari to do with as
he sees fit.

The motion did not receive a second.

After further discussion, Trustee Bruff moved,  supported by Trustee Stack, that the
Board take no action on this matter.  Motion passed  5 -3  with Trustees Bruff, Carrigan,
Krolikowski, Stack, and Stevens voting Yes; Trustees Martin, Radcliffe, and  Smydra
voting No.

Adjourned.

President

Secretary

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