Panel Discusses Racism at Harvard

A panel of students, faculty and administrators gathered in Winthrop House last night to discuss "Racism and Race Relations at Harvard" in a forum sponsored by the Roundtable Discussion Society.

The panel members discussed strict race-based hiring, self-segregation as a way of preserving racial and ethnic identities, race-specific curriculums in public schools and the congregation of a minority group in one residential house.

Professor of Afro-American Studies K. Anthony Appiah, Assistant Dean for Race Relations and Minority Affairs Hilda Hernandez-Gravelle, Thompson Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield and Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences Mary C. Waters joined several Winthrop House residents in addressing the hypothetical situations.

Panelists agreed on nearly every issue, with the only real disagreement coming over the degree to which the melting pot of ethnicity should be rejected and the College's responsibility in dealing with self-segregation among minority groups.

Appiah said he felt that on matters of housing relations, the College has a "paternalistic" responsibility to maintaining racial balance.

"We should stop thinking it's in- consistent with education to be thinking aboutmorals," he said.

Panelist Douglas McLellan '94 disagreed, sayingthat while he didn't like the current trend inself-separatism, it would be inappropriate for theadministration to abrogate "the ability to havefreedom in social and academic life."

While some panel members argued individualsshould be more conscious of their race, Mansfieldstressed the need for Americans to start examiningtheir common ground.

"From grade school, we're taught the lessons ofdiversity and so-called multiculturalism,"Mansfield said. "We're hearing less about whatbrings us together as Americans."

Some members of the 80-person audience askedquestions following opening statements. Spectatorssaid afterward they were only partially satisfiedwith what they heard.

"I am definitely dedicated to the idea of amulticultural curriculum, but I question thecurrent direction of creating separateconcentrations for American sub-cultures," DavidA. Smith '94 said.

Manuel A. Lopez '88, a second year law student,said he wished more than just general societalgoals had been discussed.

"This resembled too much of a lovefest--especially when you have Mansfield andAppiah agreeing on so much," Lopez said.

Michael H. Pine '95 said while there was somedebate among the panelists, he "wanted to see themspecifically discuss the tensions going on betweenHillel and the BSA [Black Students Association]."

The event was the first in a series of jointstudent-faculty discussions that will further"intellectual life in the houses," according tomoderator Asmin V. Pathare '93

Panelist Douglas McLellan '94 disagreed, sayingthat while he didn't like the current trend inself-separatism, it would be inappropriate for theadministration to abrogate "the ability to havefreedom in social and academic life."

While some panel members argued individualsshould be more conscious of their race, Mansfieldstressed the need for Americans to start examiningtheir common ground.

"From grade school, we're taught the lessons ofdiversity and so-called multiculturalism,"Mansfield said. "We're hearing less about whatbrings us together as Americans."

Some members of the 80-person audience askedquestions following opening statements. Spectatorssaid afterward they were only partially satisfiedwith what they heard.

"I am definitely dedicated to the idea of amulticultural curriculum, but I question thecurrent direction of creating separateconcentrations for American sub-cultures," DavidA. Smith '94 said.

Manuel A. Lopez '88, a second year law student,said he wished more than just general societalgoals had been discussed.

"This resembled too much of a lovefest--especially when you have Mansfield andAppiah agreeing on so much," Lopez said.

Michael H. Pine '95 said while there was somedebate among the panelists, he "wanted to see themspecifically discuss the tensions going on betweenHillel and the BSA [Black Students Association]."

The event was the first in a series of jointstudent-faculty discussions that will further"intellectual life in the houses," according tomoderator Asmin V. Pathare '93