The Administrative Board this week placed three sophomores and a senior on probation for their use of marijuana.

The four are roommates and obtained the marijuana on two separate week-ends in October. Their sources were reportedly two friends from another Ivy League university who were visiting Harvard. Over the following few weeks the roommates smoked it in their suite--so discreetly that even a fifth roommate was not aware of the incidents.

Harvard learned of their use of marijuana when one of the four reportedly grew upset over his involvement and wrote to his mother about it. She in turn informed University officials, and they began to take action.

Complicated Case

The case was complicated by the fact that one of the students had been disciplined previously for a case involving marijuana: second offenses are customarily punished very seriously by the Board.

Coming on the heels of a major incident involving an LSD party at Kirkland House, the case stirred an unusual amount of Faculty concern and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Because of peculiar circumstances involving one of the offenders, students and Faculty members appealed to the Board in his defense.

Student Appeals

It is alleged that the Board originally decided to require one student to withdraw, because it regarded him as the supplier of the marijuana--a more serious offense. When the student appealed on the basis of his good record with the support of his Master and senior tutor, he was placed on probation.