Poet's Stance Not Racist

To the editors:

The Crimson Staff bases its critique of the reinvitation of Tom Paulin on points irrelevant to the current debate (Editorial, “Bestowing an Undue Honor,” Nov. 21). Paulin’s statements were not based upon any “racial or ethnic bias” but were directed towards specific people in Israel, and not Jews in general. The Staff claims Paulin has not retracted his statements, but in another Crimson article (News, "Paulin Likely to Speak in Spring,” Nov. 21), Paulin is quoted as saying, “I do not support attacks on Israeli civilians under any circumstances.” The decision to reinvite Paulin in no way undermines Harvard’s policy regarding racial or ethnic bias.

William E. Shanks ’05

Nov. 21, 2002