Brandeis Blacks Hang On Despite Suspension Order

Sixty-five black Brandeis students remained in Ford Hall Sunday despite suspension and threatened expulsion from the university.

Brandeis President Morris B. Abram suspended the black students late Friday after they refused to vacate the Ford Hall communications center which they occupied Wednesday.

After black representatives broke off negotiations Saturday, Abram announced that he would ask the faculty to expel those participating in the seizure.

Won't Evict

At the same time, Abram said he would not ask police to forcibly evict the students. He also said that he would not use "petty" tactics such as cutting off the heat against the students.

An exchange of letters Sunday between Abram and Randall C. Bailey, a black spokesman, sparked hopes that negotiations might be resumed. The blacks asked to meet with Abram in Ford Hall with two faculty members of their choice and two faculty members of his choice.

Abram responded favorably to the proposal, but went on to suggest the formation of three committees to deal with the remaining issues separating the two parties. The first would deal with the creation of a black studies department. The second would consider all other proposals for increased black presence on the Brandeis campus. And the third would "deal with the timing of any agreement and vacation of Ford Hall."

The students were still interested in the meeting but rebuffed the committee proposal. "If you are truly sincere about reaching a solution," Bailey wrote to Abram, "we ask that you demonstrate this good faith and come here under the conditions outlined."

The Brandeis Students for a Democratic Society called a student strike for today in support of black demands. A university spokesman doubted that the strike would seriously hamper university functions.