Foundation Should Apologize

As a Dunster House resident, I feel compelled to respond to the misleading comments (February 2) by the Harvard Foundation on the dinner held in honor of Secretary of Health and Human Services Louis Sullivan last fall.

Before the dinner took place, students disagreeing with the policies advocated by the secretary of health placed on each plate a leaflet, an idea approved by Dunster House Master Karel Liem. These leaflets pointed out the source of their disagreement and contained a wrapped condom. They were very clearly signed, frank and candid. One can only imagine the intent of the Harvard Foundation in calling them "fraudulent programs."

Sitting at one of the central tables, where six tutors and six guests of the Harvard Foundation also happened to sit, I did not sense any embarrassment around me. My immediate neighbors were either favorably impressed or, at worst, amused. As for the students present at the dinner, almost all of them supported the leaflets and contributed to this reasoned protest.

To describe "tremendous embarrassment" among students, members of the Dunster community and guests is therefore a gross misrepresentation of the friendly atmosphere that reigned during the dinner.

But these misleading comments are of little importance when compared to the unacceptable use of the kitchen staff in the Harvard Foundation rhetoric. Contrary to the Foundation's allegations, they did not refuse to serve dinner because of the leaflets. When they read the Foundation's letter, they expressed shock, pain and disbelief. Furthermore, none ever received any letter of apology from the Foundation. There is now a great need to send one. Cyril Roux