Powell to Address 1993 Graduation

General Colin I. Powell, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be the primary speaker at Commencement this year, the Harvard News Officer announced yesterday.

Powell is the first Black man ever to become chair of the Joint Chiefs. The youngest four star general ever to hold the post. Powell gained international recognition when he advised former President Bush, Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney and the National Security Council during the Persian Gull War.

"General Powell has had an out standing record of distinguished service to the nation," President Neil L. Rudenstine said in a statement. "He is also a thoughtful and eloquent speaker. In recognition of these exceptional qualities and the important position he has held at a pivotal moment in world affairs. General Powell was chosen to be the Principal speaker on Commencement Day."

Powell could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Despite Powell's opposition to lifting the ban on gays and lesbians in military service, which conflicts with Harvard's stance, Rudenstine said he did not believe that the selection of Powell would weaken Harvard's position.

The Faculty Council has been embroiled in controversy over the ban since their recommendation nearly three years ago that the University sever all ties with the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), currently administered to Harvard students through M.I.T., because of its regulations prohibiting gays and lesbians in its ranks.

Rudenstine stressed his own opposition to the ban on the grounds of fairness in general "I have stated my view on this subject on a number of occasions including recent letters to Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen.. Sam Nunn," he said.

However, he said the University is committed to discussion and free expression about this issue and others.

"There are clearly deep differences of opinion on this important issue," he said "The invitation to General Powell was extended in recognition of his outstanding record of service during the course of his career, as well as his ability to speak to important issues of broad indeed, world wide significance."

John A Frazier '95, co-chair of the undergraduate Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Society, criticized the University administration yesterday, saying it could have chosen a more appropriate speaker.

Frazier said Powell seems to him to have demonstrated insensitivity to gays and lesbians with his positions on military policy.

"In light of everything that has happened over the past few months, it doesn't seem as though Powell is the best choice," he said. "It's not the best way to reach out to the bi[sexual], gay and lesbian community here."

"I think this definitely is insensitive on the University's part," Frailer said. "I don't know if it was a conscious decision, but they might want to be a little more considerate in the future.

Frazier said Powell seems to him to have demonstrated insensitivity to gays and lesbians with his positions on military policy.

"In light of everything that has happened over the past few months, it doesn't seem as though Powell is the best choice," he said. "It's not the best way to reach out to the bi[sexual], gay and lesbian community here."

"I think this definitely is insensitive on the University's part," Frailer said. "I don't know if it was a conscious decision, but they might want to be a little more considerate in the future.