Give a Hoot

COLLEGE officials clamped down on student publications last week, citing a little-known regulation that had fallen into disuse. Under the new enforcement policy, unsolicited newspapers, leaflets and advertisements may no longer be distributed door-to-door in the Yard.

Why? To defeat the scourge of litter, that bane of civilizations old and new. "If the student hasn't asked for it, they shouldn't be asked to pick it up or to pay custodians to pick it up," said Eric C. Engel, manager of facilities in the Yard.

The fact that there is a trash problem beleaguering the Yard, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, comes as news to us. And if there is a mess, are the student publications at fault? Although most hallways are adorned every Thursday and Friday with unread and unwished-for Independents, it is hard to believe that newspapers and periodicals are truly responsible.

Stopping student organizations from dropping paid advertisements or soliciting leaflets--such as the ubiquitous HSA coupon packets--is one thing, but preventing the circulation of student publications is another. Political, literary and cultural periodicals are key forums for campus thought--and key opportunities for freshmen to broaden their interests. Access to freshman dorms is crucial for publications to circulate their opinions; without door-to-door delivery, fewer freshmen will go out of their way to pick up the publications. Because restricting distribution limits the publications' ability to be heard, it is, in effect, an infringement on the freedom of the press. And, since this policy is applied to only non-subscription items, it discriminates against some publications.

If this regulation is allowed to stand, Harvard University may win the dubious distinction of being one of the first to infringe on the First Amendment because of trash considerations. The wise and appropriate thing to do would be to restrict the advertising and promotional leaflets which create most of the trash, and allow student publications access to all freshman.