Phillips Attacks Dunster Withdrawal But Admits Council Needs Reforms

Admiting that "some reforms in the Student Council are necessary," embattled Council President Howard J. Phillips '62 asked yesterday that changes "be considered judiciously, not in unthinking haste." Phillips' remarks came two days after Dunster House withdrew its Council representatives.

"The Council needs to be brought in line with the present structure of the University," noted Phillips, "and we are seriously considering some changes." He maintained that in any event the Dunster vote would have "no effect on the Council."

Withdrawal Unconstitutional

"The withdrawal is not constitutional," Phillips declared, "and as far as I am concerned, their duly elected and appointed representatives are still members of the Council."

Dean Watson agreed that "sudden withdrawal is not right. The best way to solve the problems is for Dunster to work with the Council."

Defending Dunster's action, William E. Bailey '62, chairman of the Dunster House Committee, declared that the "only way to force action" would be "to make a dramatic gesture." Bailey assured critics that he was "not trying to raise hell and be destructive."

Dunster residents Wednesday approved a House Committee resolution withdrawing the House's Council representatives and proposing a new "inter-House" organization. Bailey himself favors a plan by which each House Committee would elect one representative while residents would elect a second.

To avoid confusion over the new organization's role, Bailey suggested it be named the Student Affairs Committee. Its duties would center around coordinating House activities.

Although the idea has received support in Bailey's own House, the House Committee chairmen have given the proposal a cold reception.

Monday, the Council takes up the question of reorganization with the study of a massive report by Eugene H. Zagat, Jr. '61 and Roger M. Leed '61. The paper probably will call for the creation of a Student Senate, and ask for a head tax on all students to help support Council activities.