"We move as a unified body." Lee said. "The group told me to cancel the meeting and I did so."
University Regrets
A University press statement, released last night, says. "Harvard University greatly regrets the refusal of OBU to continue discussion of concrete steps to increase black and other minority employment upon construction projects."
The statement gives two reasons for the "University's unwillingness to agree to" the 20 percent demand:
The demand is that Harvard promise discrimination in employment. There is no justification for promising black and other non-white workers 20 per cent of
construction jobs, even though a target equal to the proportion of blacks and other minority workers in the local area is justified ... the proportion does not come anywhere near to 20 per cent."
"Harvard cannot promise a 20 per cent figure now, because the promise cannot be performed. Harvard does not control the hiring or construction projects or the conditions imposed by labor unions ... in addition, men with the necessary skills are not presently available. They can be trained, and the University is energetically supporting training programs."
"We are always ready to review the pertinent data with OBU in the hope that all of us may achieve a better understanding of the facts," the statement adds. "We do not enjoy being used for propaganda purposes."
Likely Targets
Because of the breakdown in negotiations, Massachusetts and University Halls-shown by experience to be likely targets for demonstrations-were locked yesterday and specially guarded.
Both the front door and the inside door to Massachusetts Hall were locked. Three of the four entrances to University Hall were also locked, and the fourth door was guarded by a University policeman.
Cox admitted last night that the reason for these precautions was the possible threat of another demonstration. "In view of what has happened in recent weeks, it seemed a sensible way to handle admission to the building," he said.
'Black Tactics'
The agreement reached Friday after a six-hour work stoppage by black people demonstrates again that white institutions seem unable to respond to the needs of black people unless they are threatened," said an OBU press statement released Monday. "And it should teach a lesson to those who say they cannot understand the tactics of black people."
No decision on punishment for participation in the December 5 occupation has yet been reached. However, Cox said Monday night that he did not "rule out the possibility of disciplinary action in the future."