Columbia May Assist Community

NEW YORK--A Columbia University task force last week proposed that Columbia offer free legal and medical aid to needy area residents, as a way to improve neighborhood conditions.

George Brager, associate dean of the school of social work and head of the task force, said the program would also provide field experience for graduate students.

The program would involve graduate students from the school of social work, the health sciences division, the school of architecture and planning, the graduate school of arts and sciences, and the school of law.

Funding is still uncertain for the program, which still must be approved by Columbia President William McGill. Brager said government grants might be approved for the project.