Alumni Favor Criticism By Former Dean

Reaction among alumni and those outside of the University to the provocative Bender Report on Admissions has been highly favorable, acording to a sample of opinion taken yesterday.

The Alumni Bulletin reported that it has received several more letters on the report than it does on most issues. A spokesman said yesterday that the replies from alumni have ben overwhelmingly favorable to the opinions of Wilbur J. Bender '27, former Dean of Admissions.

Criticized Elitism

In his report, reprinted in part by the Bulletin, Bender criticized the College for a trend toward academic elitism caused by accepting only applicants from the top one-percent of high school graduates and toward an economic elitism caused by rising tuition and an inadequacy of scholarship funds to meet the higher costs.

In accordance with its experience on similar issues, the Bulletin expects several more alumni letters pro and con Bender.

Bender himself last night indicated that he hopes to hear from people who raise questions opposing his opinions. "These issues need to be aired," he declared.

Bender said his final report as Dean to President Pusey has inspired 40 to 50 letters--mostly favorable.

CBS Crew Films Yard

National magazines--reportedly Current, Time, and Newsweek--have expressed an intention to reprint excerpts or publish features based on his report. A CBS-TV crew was in Widener and around the Yard yesterday to film parts of a forthcoming television show with Douglas Edwards on admission to college--based on the Bender Report.

The report is not copyrighted--therefore free for re-publication--and, according to a member of the Administration, will not be copyrighted. Bender, who has referred reprint requests to the University, said "I personally would not have the slighest intention of copyrighting it."

Newspaper editorial reaction to Bender's report has generally been one of agreement--claiming that his criticisms apply not just to Harvard but to all of higher education.