"We are appalled at the prospect that an institution with which we are so closely identified may, through its intransigence and insensitivity to a matter of basic concern to black people, precipitate student protests that will have lasting consequences for them, for us and for Harvard," the statement said.
"We will not remain silent spectators in this crisis, but state our position as rationally as our minds will permit and as calmly as our emotions will allow," it continued.
'Racism'
The statement calls Harvard's history of complicity with the construction industry's discrimination "a definite example of institutional racism."
The Administration insists that a figure six to nine per cent lower than OBU"s demand for 20per cent would be more reasonable, the statement said. "but the University has never moved to implement its proposed percentages at other employment levels, including administration, faculty, staff and students."
"It ill becomes Harvard to seek the easy road to atonement for its participation in past racial injustices." the statement said.
Justifies Actions
The statement also presents justifications for the OBU occupations to force Harvard to accept the 20 per cent figure. "Experience has shown that Harvard, like other segments of American society, will not move aggressively toward just goals except in the face of radical action.".
The statement compares OBU's actions to freedom riders in the South and asks;
Will it not also be considered that the black student protests were designed to be and were inconveniencing and not destructive, that they were aimed at structures and not people, and were intended to and did focus attention on Harvard's involvement in and responsibility for racist practices which all concede were abhorrent?"
The Committee on Rights and Responsibilities cited alleged attacks on individuals as a basis for the severe punishment, including suspension or dismissal of 16 students, following a November 19 sit-in at Dean May's office.
May Avoid Firing
The repented absence of such attack soon December 11 has led to speculation that the Committee will avoid expelling OBU members.
"The University has a very detailed procedure for trying and disciplining those students and faculty found guilty of involvement in disruptive acts. It seems to have no such sensitive apparatus for recognizing and efficiently correcting the traditional social and racial injustices in which it participates," the statement said.