Council Study Bids College Reject NDEA

A Student Council committe has urged the University to withdraw from all Federal aid programs "which require any statement of belief. . . beyond a simple, nonenforceable declaration of loyalty."

In a strongly worded report to be presented at tonight's Council meeting, the committee has registered objections to both the loyalty oath and the disclaimer affidavit of the National Defense Education Act. To date, University officials have criticized only the affidavit and have tended to dismiss the loyalty oath as innocuous.

The report attacks what it calls "the cloudy meaning and extensive scope" of the affidavit, but insists that Harvard should not participate even if these provisions are clarified.

"No educational institution which claims to support the search for truth wherever it may lie can coexist with any law that makes some form of thought a crime," it states.

Other recommendations call on the University to take "all possible steps" including court action--to gain repeal of the oaths, and also to provide substitute funds "to students presently receiving Federal aid here who might suffer from its withdrawal."

While the report emphasizes that the University "should continue to support federal aid to higher education in principle," it espouses a strong skepticism of the Government's willingness to provide funds without some control.

"Even should the Government at first grant funds unconditionally, it would soon be in a position to exact whatever terms it wishes," it states. "Harvard ... should be very cautious about accepting money which may some day render her subject to control."

Council member Barney Frank '61 last night indicated that he will try to "tone down" some of the wording of the report, and to eliminate some of the "more extreme" recommendations.