Beckham said that in a six-page description written by Harvard officials about race relations and submitted to the guide, only three sentences were devoted to the Foundation.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III said that the guide's evaluation of Harvard should not be interpreted as representative of widespread opinion among Black students here. "The write-up gives the impression that the views are of a substantial portion of minority students at Harvard, but no sample size is given."

Beckham said in addition to other research, interviews were conducted with five to seven students. Beckham added that a preface to the descriptions explains that all comments quoted from students are "subjective responses."

Several Harvard officials, including Davis and Fox, said the guide's description of Harvard as "impersonal" is based on a stereotype of the College. "That's become something I think people feel they've got to say," Fox said.

Other Black students contacted yesterday voiced some concerns about the guide's evaluation of racial tensions here.

"I think the idea of tensions is exaggerated," said Stephanie D. James '83, a member of the William J. Seymour Society, a predominately Black Christian student organization. James said the situation at Harvard is "per for the course in America.