Michael Mathieu '90 agreed, "The QRR is only a test of how fast you can read the little books they hand out."
But others said there is some value to the concepts behind the QRR. Lori L. Outzs '91 said, "Students should know how to use the computers, but not necessarily freshman year. They should have four years to fulfill the requirements."
And Athan C. Tolis '91, however, said he favors the QRR concept. "Something even more than the QRR should be imposed. People should in some way be exposed to calculus," he said.
Discussing Racial Issues
In the wake of increased campus discussion of racial issues this year, many candidates said they were uncertain that the council was the proper forum for campus racial issues.
Last year a new committee was established to discuss race relations at Harvard and this year the College created the new post of dean for minority relations. And two weeks ago the Administrative Board required a student to withdraw for making a prank phone call to a Black student which the disciplinary body deemed a racial slur.
Theodore D. Chuang '91 said the Council should address racial issues. "There is no other place where student views can all be gathered," he said. "It is supposed to be a representative body."
"The council is a spokesperson for students and if students of any color are being discriminated against, the council should intervene," said Michael Kelson '90.
Others, however, disagreed, saying that the council could better serve students by channeling its energies into different areas of student life.
"Enough organizations are focused on racial issues that I think the council should direct itself toward other things," said Erinn Thoyer '91.
"It is a matter for the administration, because the importance in racial cases is protecting the rights of a minority, and students can't always do that fairly," said Stephen T. Kern '91.
Getting Down to Business
The lucky candidates will have a chance to air these views at the first council meeting next Wednesday.
Their first order of business will be the selection of a new committee chairman as Eisert will be stepping down. As of now, the two primary candidates are current vice-chairman Amy B. Zegart '89 and current chairman of the Academics Committee Evan J. Mandery '89. Mathieu has also declared intentions to run.