Report Analysis: Fact Finding Commission on Columbia Disturbances

Abstract

In his discussion of the Cox Commission Report, Professor Keniston finds himself in sympathy with its objectivity and "even-handed charity" in dispensing blame. He does disagree, however, with the Commission's explanation of student violence and disruption as largely "symptomatic" of extra-university issues. Keniston argues that it is not only disaffection with life outside the Ivy Wall—with Vietnam,"racism", and the power structure—but discontent with the university's failure to act according to its ideals that produces student protest.