Winthrop Votes Boycott, Protests Manager Switch

The Winthrop House Committee unanimously voted last night to boycott tonight's dinner to protest the proposed transfer of Robert B. Davis, supervisor of the Winthrop dining hall.

R.J. Montville, manager of College dining halls, told Davis two weeks ago that he was transferring him to the position of substitute manager for all halls beginning January 1.

"We're boycotting to show our concern. It's a symbolic gesture to show how much we care," Leslie A. Cornfeld '81, House committee member, said last night.

"A boycott wouldn't resolve anything," Frank J. Weissbecker, director of Food Services, said last night. "I see no reason to change the decision," he added.

Weissbecker met yesterday with House committee members to discuss the proposed transfer. "He gave us all no's about changing the decision," Clay N. Squire '80, vice president of the House committee, said last night at the meeting.

No Kidding

"They've made their decision. The only way to show our serious support is a boycott by the entire House," Squire said.

Students last week presented Weissbecker with two petitions protesting the transfer; one signed by 260 students in Winthrop, the other signed by the comasters and resident tutors of the House.

"I would just like to stay in Winthrop until I retire--in another five years," Davis said Sunday. Davis has been supervisor of the House dining hall for 12 years.

The House committee approved a resolution asking the co-masters to investigate other channels of protest.

Committee members will lobby door to door for participation in today's boycott.

"It's crucial to get every member of the House to participate," Squire said.

"I will encourage the House to do whatever possible to call attention to our plight," James A. Davis, co-master of the House, said last night.