HDS begins to receive comment cards from students requesting grapes.

May 1997

After discussions with the Harvard University Dining Action Committee (HUDAC), Michael Miller, HDS executive chef, decides to reintroduce grapes during Sunday brunches, effective Nov. 9.

October 28, 1997

The Harvard Crimson reports HDS' decision to lift the boycott against grapes.

October 30, 1997

HDS receives 11 feedback forms relating to the decision to reintroduce grapes. Ten are in favor of the boycott; one supports lifting it.

UNITE, a student activist group, sends out an e-mail message encouraging students to send feedback forms to HDS complaining about the decision to resume serving grapes. The Progressive Student Labor Movement (PSLM) expresses concern as well.

November 7, 1997

In response to overwhelming student feedback, HDS decides to postpone serving grapes in dining halls until at least November 21, when a referendum will be held to decide the issue.

"Nothing like this has ever come up," said HDS project manager Alexandra E. McNitt.

The week of November 10, 1997

Fake posters proclaiming that a grape forum would be sponsored by the Undergraduate Council on Nov. 15 are plastered all over the dining halls and the Yard.

The posters list Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III as the forum moderator, but Epps denies any association with the group or the event.

According to Council President Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, the council did not plan the event, despite the claims made in the fliers.