New Draft Rule Will Not Change Students' Status

Present and future Harvard students need not worry that a new presidential order will require them to take their draft physicals on reaching 18 years of age.

President Johnson directed Saturday that, starting July 1, most youths be given mental and physical tests once they reached 18. Secretary of labor Willard Wirtz said later in the day, however, that married men and those in school would probably be given deferrals.

Michael Shinagel, associate director of the Office of Graduate and Career Plans, said last night that he "doubted anyone at Harvard would be affected by the order." The mental and physical tests are presently given when potential drafteer reach 22 or 23.

The President's order is apparently intended to correct growing mental and physical deficiencies in youth. An independent report, released Saturday, estimated that one-third of the nation's youth reaching 18 would be found unfit for military induction.

To help these youths, voluntary rehabilitation programs will be set up.