Jewett Discusses Lottery

Jewett reiterated that the randomization plan is not aimed at restricting student choice but at eliminating negative stereotype of houses.

"I'm happy to have houses that are different," Jewett said. "[But] I would be very concerned if a system of choice developed a community where substantial number of students would not feel comfortable [in certain houses]," he said.

Jewett said that the council's role in the housing debate should be merely to promote a "thoughtful and compelete discussion" of the issue.

He also said he would try to compile data on social, economic and racial groups within the houses for public use. This data, which Jewett said he used to formulate his proposal, is not currently available to students.

"If I lose on this one...I'll feel a lot better if we'll at least have thought about it carefully," Jewett said.

Addressing Other Issues

Jewett also addressed other issues at last night's meeting, including race relations and alcohol policy.

"Racial relations in Harvard generally I would characterize as very good," Jewett said. He added that he would like to "make the college a model of diversity."

And Jewett said that although the College's current alcohol policy is as effective as possible, he wants to address "real alcohol abuse" in cases where "some of our students drink in excess and get into problems because of it."

He added that the College will "look more seriously" into the use of false identification cards."

Meanwhile, Jewett said he is still examining how to improve the advising system and the prspects for either a student center or dining facilities in Memorial Hall.

Other Council News

In other council news, the body voted unanimously to establish a weekly newsletter to inform students of its activities. During this month's council campaigns, many candidates stressed the need for the council to communicate more effectively with the student body.

The council also overwhelmingly voted to provide overnight bus service to the Harvard/Yale football game in New Haven, Conn., next month, at a price to be determined.