The Committee of 15, however, did release, along with its punishment decisions, some comment on the crisis and some hints of long-range changes.

In response to Harvard's new situation, the Committee of 15 issued a short "Resolution of Rights and Responsibilities" which the Faculty passed overwhelmingly at the same meeting during which it punished the students. As it turns our, the statement plays rather heavily on the responsibilities, while leaving the "rights", which supposedly "apply equally to students, officers of instruction, and officers of administration." somewhat ill-defined.

The document is also very specific on the punishment incurred for violation of responsibilities, but hazily refers violation of rights to the Committee of 15 for consideration. Plainly, there are no processes binding on an administrator who violates a student's "rights." For instance, what does a student do when a Dean ignores "his right to a full and fair hearing and prompt response."

THE REPORT elaborates five specific kinds of responsibilities which cover every major protest staged at Harvard since the McNamara incident in 1966. One specifically warns against "obstruction of the normal processes and activities essential to the functions of the University community." The question arises, of course, does this include refusing to pay term bills, or hissing in lectures, not eating in the right dorm or any number of forms of protest.

Asked what kinds of dissent used in the past might be acceptable, a faculty member on the committee could only cite one: the mill-in at University Hall last spring. In any case, the Committee of 15 will soon recommend a Rights and Responsibilities Committee to assist the Ad Board in punishing violations of the new rules.

Recommendations for changes in the governing of Harvard-the moderate students desire to open channels to administrators-were also included in the Committee of 15's mandate and the first of the recommendations is expected during the Fall term. In addition, the Fainsod Committee on restructuring the governing processes of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences will make its report early this Fall, which might also open selected Faculty committees to students. The trend of the changes, however, might not increase the accessibility of President Pusey, where, as was demonstrated when police entered Harvard last Spring, much real power lies.

"Whether or not Nathan Pusey is more accessible." one of the faculty members on the Committee of 15 said, "those responsible for major decisions will be." Perhaps so, but in the interim, while the channels of communication are being opened, almost any kind of protest can potentially bring swift and heavy punishment. Students, in effect have been asked to trust the Faculty to come up quickly with far-reaching reforms that will make forcible protests unnecessary.

If reform comes, it will significantly narrow the chasm which the events of the summer and spring opened. The dismissals during the summer were a show of force with the promise of reason to follow. Without the kicker, the events of April will leave a legacy of force without reason.