The change will shift public attention away from the director, said Counter, allowing him to work with a broad variety of students free of the responsibility for specific funding decisions.
"It should relieve some of the pressure on me, specifically," he added.
Not having to arbitrate among competing demands for Foundation money. Counter said he will have more time to raise money from outside donors, organize cultural and political events on campus and disseminate information the Foundation gathered during its first year.
For example, he said that he will make available the results of a preliminary report on race relations in the Houses compiled by Foundation Staff Assistant Charlene Avery '82.
Student leaders sharply criticized Counter in May for not explaining what the Foundation is doing to ease racial tension in the Houses.
Curtis M Hairston '84, president of the Black Students Association (BSA), said at the time "I don't really see where the Foundation has taken any steps to improve race relations"
Harrison and others requested in a private meeting with Fox that the College provide professional race relations counselling independent of the Foundation for undergraduate groups. Fox said this week that the service will be available upon request this fall.
More Political and Cultural Programs
In addition to opening boarder communication with groups like the BSA, Counter said he will continue to organize programs similar to this year's well-attended conference on Japanese internment during World War II and Noche Mexicana, a celebration of Mexican folk dance and music.
Counter also explained plans for a December fundraiser in Washington D.C., which is tentatively scheduled for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
He said that the ongoing $350 million Harvard capital fund drive had hindered Foundation fundraising somewhat last year because University development officers have tried to channel most donations through the central fund "But this year, we expect more flexibility," he added.
:We are in a better position now than we were a year ago to show that Harvard has a different way to approach this problem," said Counter "We have convinced the third world students that the Foundation can serve them best as an integrated organization," he added.
Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III generally concurred with Counter but added that "work must still be done to make it clear that white students as well as minority students can benefit from the Foundation's work.