Little is still known about the new 21 Society that formed last month.
The 21 Society, created with the goal of instilling a greater sense of student self-governance at the University, sent out 21 letters two weeks ago announcing their formation on June 21.
According to a letter dated that same day, and left at The Cavalier Daily office July 6, The 21 Society was founded in order "to unify the politically active students of the University."
Each recipient received a different number on his or her letter. The Cavalier Daily received the 17th letter.
"I thought it was a little funny the way they numbered it," said Rhonda Saunders of the Office of the Dean of Students.
The question remains as to whether The 21 Society is actually a legitimate organization.
"I know nothing about it," said Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor, the day he received the letter, "but based solely on the wording of the letter, the group seems legitimate and positive in its orientation."
More recently, however, Sabato said "a good source has confirmed that it is a serious organization and we will be hearing more from them."
The 21 Society's letter states that the group wants to lead University students "by increasing student and administration awareness of the concerns of some of the more active students."
Additionally, the letter refers to the events of the last 21 months that "have posed a direct challenge to student self-governance."
The 21 Society's letter specifically mentioned its belief in "the autonomy of the student judicial system" as well as its desire to promote "activism among concerned members of the University community."
President John T. Casteen III said that he received letter No. 1.
Other recipients of The 21 Society's announcement letter include William W. Harmon, vice president for student affairs, who received letter 20 out of 21. Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam, Secretary to the Board of Visitors, received the eighth letter, while Assoc. Dean of Students Shamim Sisson received No. 16.
The Honor Committee, the University Judiciary Committee, Student Council, and the Inter-Fraternity and Inter-Sorority Councils also received copies of the letter.
Last week, students reported the placement of 21 Society paraphernalia on the Lawn.
"I heard that there were T-shirts placed on the Jefferson and Washington statues on the Lawn expressing the Society's aim to promote student self-governance," ISC President Margaret Dumas said. The ISC received the sixth letter.
The 21 Society has become a popular University discussion topic.
"It has been the subject of much gossip among U.Va. politicos in the last couple of weeks," said John Finley, Student Council Chief Financial Officer.
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