Letters to the Sports Editor

November 8, 1972

Professor Roger Rosenblatt

Dunster House J-39

Dear Mr. Rosenblatt:

Thank you for your letter of November 7th.

You will be happy to hear that I have conducted an independent investigation of this whole matter and can assure you that what occurred was in Mr. Schoen's best interest. The photographs in question were submitted to the members of the Center for International Affairs who, as you know, spend most of their time analyzing high level serial photographs of North Vietnam for the Air Force. They report that careful analysis of the shadows (which indicates the position of the sun when the photographs were taken) and the length of the grass (which indicates in which picture the grass was shorter) demonstrates that the photographs were printed by The Crimson in reverse order. The implications of this report should be obvious, even to you: Mr. Davis was retreating and attempting to defend himself against what might be formed an aggressive thrust by Mr. Schoen. The self restraint displayed by this administration should be praised.

Your letter refers, of course, a broader and more interesting question: is it ever appropriate for members of the administration to knew students, or for that matter, faculty? The answer in clearly yes. Mr. Bok has encouraged candor and spontaneity in our relationships with students and faculty, and frequently kneeing is the most direct and honest way of expressing one's feelings. Students appreciate this approach. During my brief tenure at Eliot House a number thanked me for kneeing them when they left the weekly open house.

I do appreciate your writing. This administration encourages frank expression of views even from the faculty. Feel free to write again should you become distressed or dismayed. Meanwhile Dean Dunlop has asked me to tell you that the Dunster House secretarial budget has been cut by 20 percent. Faithfully yours,   Daniel Steimer