The following Letter appeared in the Columbia Spectator
on Thursday, February 27, 1992.

To the Editor,

     Probably unbeknownst to many students, the rally and enter-
ing of Low Memorial Library on Tuesday, February 11,1992, was in
the tradition of a glorious victory that took place 55 years ago.
On February 11, 1937, General Motors Autoworkers in Flint, Michi-
gan emerged from the factories they had occupied victorious. As
part of a long series of strikes nationwide, this forty-four day
long Sit-Down Strike won GM Autoworkers the right to have the
United Auto Workers (UAW) represent them as their bargaining
agent to GM. This was the beginning of the official recognition
of the UAW by Auto Manufacturers.

     The sit-in at Columbia to achieve more of a student voice in
University decision making is a poignant reminder of the similar
fight that occurred 55 years ago in Flint, Michigan. Just as
those workers fought the Auto Industry for a voice, the students
of Columbia are likewise fighting to have their voice heard. By
learning more of the tradition behind the battle for democratic
rights, we shall be stronger.
        Michael Hauben CC '95