This week, we look back on some stories from the 1980s, highlighting the different issues and interests of the time. Many students on Grounds were fighting for causes that were important to them, such as Black University members’ rights and gay acceptance. Many articles also covered the unique culture of the '80s, including the importance of a late-night DJ and complete makeovers featuring perms, hair mousse and more.
March 28, 1980
“Blacks rally to protest inequality”
By Nancy Cook
Photos by Mary Graham
Members from the Black Student Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other supporting allies from the community protested for the necessity of Black faculty members within the University education system and against the “corrosive” racism present at the University. They began their march at Old Cabell Hall, continued their path through Pavilion X and Newcomb Hall and ended at Lawn where they were met with then-University President Frank Hereford. This highlights a moment where students used their voices and governance to push for active changes within their academic spaces.
March 30, 1981
“Blue jeans to show support for gay rights”
By Sandra Hathaway
Illustration by Jane Friedman
The University’s Gay Student Union invited members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters to wear jeans to class for Blue Jeans Day, the kickoff to the annual Gay Acceptance Week. Then-GSU chairman Brian Lee Johnson said that the intent of the week is to expose misconceptions surrounding homosexuality and encourage community members to get to know one another, regardless of their sexuality. “It’s harder to say bad things about gay people when you’ve actually met a few,” Johnson said.
June 30, 1983
“A Charlottesville Fourth”
By Nancy Andrews
Photos by Mark Outlaw
Leading up to the Fourth of July, Monticello prepared its annual American citizen naturalization ceremony, in which 96 applicants were to take the oath of citizenship in a ceremony presided over by judge James C. Turk. Monticello also held a wreath-laying ceremony on Thomas Jefferson’s grave, as the date marked the 157th anniversary of Jefferson’s death.
Oct. 3, 1985
“Sixth president inaugurated”
By Ann Comer, Anne Adler and Edward Jones
Photos by John Burton
Although not in typical Lawn tradition due to inclement weather, Robert O’Neil was officially inaugurated as the sixth president of the University on this rainy day in 1983. In his first moments following his inauguration, he stated that although there was much to be celebrated in regard to the University up until this point, more could always be done. O’Neil then went on to delineate the goals he had moving forward whilst in this position, specifically outlining the invaluable role of academic research, experienced faculty and the increase in international opportunities of study.
Nov. 5, 1985
“Late night with DJ Kate Montez”
By Steve Dobranski
Photos by Steve Dobranski
The Miami-born Kate Montez describes her routine as the “night owl” of Charlottesville. While everyone is out at local businesses such as Miller’s Downtown, Montez is on the air as a WCHV disc jockey from 12 to 6 a.m. Although it is sometimes lonely, she describes enjoying the quietness during these hours. While Montez does not know exactly what her future looks like, for now, “Radio [is her] American Dream.”
March 27, 1986
“Makeovers”
By Gayle Morrell
Photos by Craig Bennett
The Cavalier Daily accompanied seven University community members as they went on a makeover journey at the Regis salon. The participants stated different reasons for coming in — some just needed a haircut while others wanted to totally change their looks. They underwent perms, hair dye, trims and more to achieve their final looks, each rocking a completely different style than before.
Read More
Andrus Ashoo named interim director of Think Again U.Va.
By Lucia Gambacini | YesterdayMary Kate Cary, the program’s founder and former director, announced via email June 30 that she would be departing for the University of Denver and that Ashoo would take over as interim director, effective immediately.
School of Law prepares students for an AI-assisted legal profession
By Lidia Zur Muhlen | YesterdayAccording to the American Bar Association, the use of generative artificial intelligence in the legal profession nationwide has more than doubled over the past year, with attorneys reporting that they integrate generative AI into daily tasks including drafting correspondence, conducting legal research and summarizing documents.
Will SpaceX’s IPO affect the University’s endowment?
By Nicolas Biernacki | 4 days agoThe University’s equity in SpaceX accounts for a “low single-digit percentage” of the endowment, per The Wall Street Journal.
