Austin Approves Student Street Protest
- Austin leaders held an urgent meeting to address a planned student demonstration.
- The Student Mobilization Committee, denied campus access due to the LBJ Library dedication, sought an alternative rally site.
- The Council approved their request to parade and demonstrate on Guadalupe Street (22nd to 26th St), viewing it as a safer option away from the restricted library area.
- A last-minute request for loudspeakers was also granted, with usual permit formalities waived due to the time constraints.
Full Transcript
=CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Meeting May 22, 1971 8:10 A.M. Council Chamber, City Ball The meeting was called to order with Mayor Butler presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Dryden, Nichols, Mayor Fro Tern Love, Councilman Lebermann, Friedman, Handcox, Mayor Butler Absent: None Mayor Butler announced the purpose of this meeting was to consider a matter that Councilman Friedman had discussed with several members of the Austin community. Councilman Friedman stated he had discussed with several people in the University of Texas community a request that the Council meet and consider a proposal by representatives of the Student Mobilization Committee to obtain a rally site and alleviate tension and prevent tension and harm to anyone in the City at any time. Mr. Mike Alewitz, Student Mobilization Committee, reported they had been denied five applications for rallies on the University of Texas campus on the basis of conflicting with the dedication of the LBJ Library. He requested permission to use Guadalupe from 22nd Street to 26th Street in lieu of the sidewalks, for a parade and demonstration from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 22, 1971. Mr. Alewitz stated the demonstration had to take place, and It would take place on the sidewalks, if not granted the street area. It was thought that it would be safer to permit the students to use Guadalupe and have a place to congregate and relax, and that this site would be farther removed from the restricted area around the LBJ Library. After extensive discussions of the many facets, Councilman Friedman moved that the Council grant the parade between 10:30 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. (on Guadalupe from 22nd Street to 26th Street). The motion, seconded by Councilman =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 22 > Handcox, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Nichols, Mayor Pro Tern Love, Councilman Lebermann, Friedman, Handcox, Mayor Butler Noes: Councilman Dryden The City Manager mentioned the S.M.C. also wanted to use loud speakers. Councilman Nichols moved that the Council waive the formalities for a permit for loud speakers, due to the late hour and the inability to comply in this one instance. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Love, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilman Nichols, Mayor Pro Tern Love, Councilman Lebermann, Friedman, Handcox, Mayor Butler Noes: Councilman Dryden The Council then adjourned. APPROVED: ATTEST: Mayor City Clerk