To the Editors of the Crimson:

I believe that the news story about HYD in the Crimson of May 27 was misleading. It should be made clear to your readers that Harvard Youth for Democracy does not deny affiliation with the National AYD organization. In accordance with Harvard tradition and University rules, HYD is "autonomously affiliated with the intercollegiate division of American Youth for Democracy, and is completely free to determine its own policy and action," to quote Section B of Article I of the HYD constitution approved by the Dean's office.

In the face of red-baiting of AYD as a whole and HYD in the local press, we wish to make known the aims and principles of HYD as set down in the preamble of HYD's constitution:

"Harvard Youth for Democracy is an organization of progressive Harvard students who are determined to achieve the expansion of social, economic, and political democracy, aiming towards a world of increased opportunity, abundance, and peace for all.

"To implement this objective we shall cooperate with and help build the labor movement, as we consider it to be the most progressive force in American life. We shall at all times oppose discrimination in any from, whether of color, national origin, religion, political belief, or sex, and we shall fight against fascism wherever it may manifest itself. We shall give our full support to the development of unity among all countries, especially the Great Powers, for without such unity the United Nations can never be an effective instrument for the preservation of world peace.

"Lastly, we shall concern ourselves with the needs of our own community, the student body of Harvard, and in every way strive to meet those needs, stimulate discussion and action on current issues of importance, and generally broaden the horizons of student thought."

We believe the University has by approving a charter for HYD performed a significant action in upholding academic freedom. Sydney V. James '50.   Secretary, HYD.