"BEACON'S" BALLOON

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

The recent cross burning incident was a shocking exhibition, and a complete disregard on the part of the perpetrators for the feelings of the individual students. The cross-burning was the product of the warped sense of humor of a few freshmen at Harvard, who entirely disregarded the consequences of their action. As a result of their inconsiderate prank, the name of Harvard University has been unjustly associated with the act. Over the years, Harvard has consistently welcomed members of minority groups on precisely the same footing as anyone else. It has constantly been on the side of equality of opportunity in education.

When I went to the Union yesterday for lunch, a copy of the "Beacon" was given to me. In the upper right hand column I saw an article blasting the incident and immediately coming to the conclusion that there was "racism" at Harvard. Like the "Beacon", I was indignant concerning the entire affair. Unlike the "Beacon", In consider the matter a reflection on the ridiculous sense of humor possessed by a few students. The action of these students should not be, and has not been a regular practice of Harvard University. This incident should have been settled through the Freshman Dean's Office. The type of publicity it received proved more harmful to the Negro at Harvard than if the matter had been channeled through the proper authorities. The ballooning of the evidence and the distorted association that has been made with the University could very easily prove detrimental.

I agree with the "Beacon" that the cross burning incident is a very distressing occurrence. But their reference to "racism" at Harvard was in poor taste, and in my estimation shifted the emphasis away from the true root of the problem. Clifford L. Alexander Jr. '55