Divest

To the Editors of The Crimson:

Regardless of one's political persuasion, it is clear that the shanties are a failure. There has been no outpouring of student support and Harvard still has not divested.

There is, I believe, an alternative to shanties that would be much more effective. SASC should practice what it preaches and divest itself from Harvard. Confused?

Suppose the day before Fall Registration 200 students suddenly announced that they were taking a year off to protest Harvard's investment policies. The benefits of such an action would be numerous. The University would lose 200 times $16,000 or $3.2 million is had counted on having in its operating budget. The money could not be replaced easily. No new students could be admitted to cover the shortfall because space would have to be left to allow the students to return.

The students who take the year off could go to South Africa and help various organizations of their choice. This would be a more meaningful gesture than sleeping out in the Yard.

While the idea is not originally my own, I believe its simplicity and potential power are an overwhelming challenge to SASC to "put its money where its mouth is." Currently SASC is employing the very policies it derides President Derek Bok for following--attempting to force change from within. Whether SASC admits it or not, it is employing a form of constructive engagement. Divesting themselves from Harvard for a year would not be mere symbolism but a powerful action in support of its position.

I do not believe that University divestiture is the answer for helping end the evil apartheid system which every decent American deplores. However, if SASC seriously wants to take a meaningful act that would certainly impact the University, instead of a purely symbolic gesture, they should organize a self-divestment plan. Peter T. Gelfman '85-'86