McLendon Is Still Hesitant On Book Ban

Despite a poll showing that 75 of 77 students in Philosophy 3 wanted to discuss the controversial text "Morals and Medicine," Hiram J. McLendon, assistant professor of Philosophy, remained undecided last night on the possibility of lifting his earlier ban.

He conceded that a CRIMSON poll taken before class yesterday had shown "groundless" the fears of embarrassing Radcliffe students by discussing in sections the chapters on contraception, artificial insemination, and sterilization. However, he wanted to discuss the question of reversing the previous policy with the section men before announcing a final decision.

Earlier in the day, the Rev. Dr. Joseph F. Fletcher, professor of pastoral theology and Christian ethics at the Episcopal Theological School here, had said that while he believed that the ultimate decision must rest with McLendon on the basis of conditions in class, he hoped that the policy would be reversed.

Contending that College and Radcliffe undergraduates were "mature enough to discuss vital problems like these constructively," Fletcher said he was "surprised" at the decision. "I hope they change their minds," he added.

The polls showed that only one Radcliffe girl wanted section discussion barred on all parts of the text, which is assigned reading in the course, while another opposed discussion of only the chapter on artificial insemination. Of the 77 polls returned, including 12 Radcliffe students, 75 desired at least some discussion of Fletcher's book, and 69 wanted it considered in its entirety.