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The group known as the "Kent 25" was hit with another blow after the May 4 shootings. They were indicted five months later on charges connected with the demonstration that day or the ROTC building fire three days before. Some claim they were merely caught by mistake because they happened to show up in photographs. Others say their actions were deliberate. They include a student body president, a professor, a brother and sister, and good friends and roommates who had protested together. On the eve of the 30th anniversary, 15 of the 25 and a defense attorney agreed to be interviewed for this story. Today, those 15 include teachers, lawyers and a college professor. Some felt their career plans were derailed by the stigma attached to May 4, but at least one says he may have benefited. Five cases -- all relating to the burning of the ROTC building -- proceeded to trial. One nonstudent defendant was convicted on one charge and two other nonstudents pleaded guilty. One other defendant was acquitted, and charges were dismissed against the last. In December 1971, all charges against the remaining 20 were dismissed for lack of evidence.   |
