Freshmen Back Ali's Draft Stand

Over 220 freshmen have signed a letter to Cassius Clay telling him they support his refusal to join the United States Army.

The statement, addressed to Muhammed Ali, tells him, "You still are and for us will remain the heavyweight champion of the world."

A group of Holworthy residents drafted the letter after reading comments of journalists who questioned Clay's patriotism. When Clay refused the army's call to induction on religious grounds--he is a Black Muslim minister--the World Boxing Association stripped him of his title crown, and most columnists supported the WBA.

So the Holworthy freshmen decided to circulate a letter commending Clay "for refusing to aid the military effort" as long as the war in Vietnam continues.

Robert H. Yolken '70, who helped draft the letter, said yesterday that he and most of the other freshmen involved are not boxing enthusiasts. But they felt that the WBA and other boxing associa- tions had been unfair in revoking the title, especially since Clay's case is still in the courts.

The freshmen will send the letter to Clay "to tell him someone's on his side,