PBHA & Politics

To the Editors of The Crimson:

Adam Smith and Naomi Wittes attacked Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) in a letter to The Crimson (November 8) for becoming too politically involved. The letter referred to activities surrounding Proposition 1-2-3. Unfortunately, the letter was based on minsinformation and misunderstandings.

1. The Cabinet of PBHA, which is comprised of the chairpersons of PBHA's 37 committees, did endorse the Campaign to defeat Proposition 1-2-3. This resolution was passed in the conviction that Proposition 1-2-3 was threatening the welfare of the clientele we serve. It was clearly expressed and understood, however, that this resolution did not represent PBHA as a whole. In fact, The Crimson published a quote stating that this resolution was not representing the view of the Association as a whole or its volunteers.

2. Marc Mani and Beth Michell circulated a flyer urging people to vote against Proposition 1-2-3 and for the candidates opposed to Proposition 1-2-3. At the bottom of the flyer, next to their names, they mentioned the PBH Legal Committee and PBH "for identification purposes only."

This listing "for identification purposes only" expresses clearly that this flyer was not a PBH document. It was the effort by two individuals who also happen to be active at PBHA. PBHA volunteers, like all citizens, are entitled to their own political opinion and are free to become politically active. PBHA is not responsible for political action by any of its members.

3. The rally against Proposition 1-2-3 on November 6 was organized by individuals from the Committee on the Homeless and the Committee for Economic Change. It was not a PBH-sponsored event. None of the flyers nor any of the statements made at the rally used the name of PBH as an organization opposed to Proposition 1-2-3.

It is very unfortunate that The Crimson reported on November 7 that "PBH rallies against Prop 1-2-3." We are not responsible for the misunderstanding created by The Crimson.

4. No PBH funds were used for anti-Prop 1-2-3 activities.

We regret that Adam Smith and Naomi Wittes went to The Crimson before finding out what had actually happened. It caused unnecessary confusion and led to unjustified accusations against PBHA. The Steering Committee of PBHA