Kent State: Balancing the Evidence

Abstract

In trying to unravel what happened at Kent State on May 4th 1970 we must determine whether or not the National Guard faced serious danger from the student crowd. Based on most of the eyewitness accounts available for review it appears that the evidence can support either conclusion. For example, three out of five eyewitnesses of the event, make mention in their testimony that the National guards were hit with rocks or cans by Kent State students. The probability of this event actually occurring is strengthen by the fact that one of the testimonies was given by a teacher whose statement does not appear to distinguish him as being for or against the Guards. The most decisive evidence supporting this rock throwing incident is given by a student, who has clearly expressed her opposition and dislike for the National Guards. Claudia Van Tyne, a 20-year-old student at Kent State asserts that, “The pigs (the Police) came up the Hill and marched down into the old football practice field... where they gassed us again.