What was the Moratorium at GMU?

The Vietnam War Moratorium was a massive anti-war demonstration that took place across the United States on October 15, 1969. It was organized as a nationwide protest against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, with millions of Americans participating in marches, teach-ins, and vigils to demand an end to the conflict.

The Moratorium was not just a single event but part of a broader effort to pressure the Nixon administration to withdraw troops from Vietnam. It was widely supported by students and veterans. The protests were largely peaceful, featuring speeches, candlelight vigils, and musical performances. 

At George Mason University, students and faculty participated in the Moratorium by signing a petition scroll requesting the university to excuse students from classes so they could take part in local demonstrations. The scroll, containing over 600 signatures, was presented to Chancellor Lorin A. Thompson, who ultimately refused to cancel classes. Despite this, the Moratorium at GMU marked a significant moment in student activism, reflecting the growing opposition to the war on college campuses.