Seven-Student Group to Organize Academic Freedom Week Programs

Seven College students are trying to arrange for observation of an Academic Freedom Week some time in April at 11 college in the Greater Boston area.

In a mimeographed letter addressed to undergraduate newspapers, student councils, and political clubs, the group stressed current dangers to free speech. Leader of the movement is Louis F. Sharpe '54, president of the Society for Minority Rights.

"We have viewed with growing concern the nationwide crisis facing free speech and academic freedom. The trend toward conformity fostered by fear of reprisal and the recent disclosure of possible 'scouting' activities at Harvard University are two reflections of this crisis," the letter stated.

Besides Sharpe, other organizers of the Freedom Week movement are Duncan H. Cameron '56, president of the United Nations Council; C. Gordon Graham '55, president of the Liberal Union; David A. Hanson '56, president of the World Federalists; Richard A. Levin '54, president of the Debate Council; Newell B. Mack '56, of the Student Council; and Frederick J. Willman '56, president of the Young Democrats.

Sharpe made no predictions about response to the movement in other institutions. Concerning the feeling here, he said that he and the other organizers, while acting purely as individuals, expected their respective groups to follow their suggestions.