Portland State Magazine Spring 2010

1970 Memories of confrontation Alumni remember 30 seconds of violence at the end of a week of campus protests. WRITTEN BY MELISSA STEINEGER SMITH CENTER COMMANDEERED by protestors. Demonstrators barricading the Park Blocks. Outraged citizens demanding that PSU "shut those kids up." An unexpected eruption of violence. May 1970 was a tumultuous time for Porcland State. For many, emotions still run high about the week that students clashed with each other and police. The events began as part of a great national spasm of emotion following the Ohio National Guard's shooting of students at Kent Scace University. At Portland State, classes were cancelled for two days and protesters barricaded tl1e Park Blocks (sti ll open to car traffic at the time) for speeche and demonstrations. After a week of"rap" sessions with Porcland State admin– istrators, the protestors agreed to dismantle the barricades. For several hours, dissenters helped city crews remove the barriers. But when police demanded chat a large first aid tent also be removed, the protestors-claiming the cent had a valid city permit-refused. Tensions accelerated and eventually police in wedge formation marched through the seated protestors using bacons. Some 31 protesters were taken to area hospitals; all but four were treated and released. Four police officers were also treated for minor injuries. The May 11, 1970, melee was captured by news media cameras. The next day between 3,000 and 5,000 Portland residents marched from Portland Seate to City Hall to express their outrage at the use of force, says Dory Hylton, who wrote her dissertation on the events. However, letters to the edicor in the Portland papers ran 10 co one in favor of the police actions. Thar day's violence was a defining moment for those caught up in the protest and for many who watched from the windows of Smith Center. Read on for a few memories and observations. 8 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE SPRING 2010