Graduate Body Reopens Quarrel over Geography

The University decision to eliminate Geography as a field of concentration came under belated fire yesterday when the Graduate Council released a report condemning the action.

Nearly a year ago, temporary Geography appointees in the Department of Geology and Geography were notified that their appointments would not be renewed. Their departure forced the elimination of Geography as a field of concentration. Justifying the move, a University spokesman said that "Harvard cannot hope to have strong departments in everything."

The report of the Graduate Council calls the current Geography lack "a serious gap" in the curriculum, and points to the effect the action has had on other departments of the University. The field was cut down, the report states, at a time when its chances for growth and advancement were excellent.

Calling for "review of the situation" and "more adequate provision to fill the curriculum needs in Geography," the Graduate Council points out that two of last year's Geography staff are now working in higher positions in other universities and says that it is "unfortunate that Harvard . . . should be eclipsed in this field by less favorably situated schools."