Through a series of slides, Ruggiero explained that the law of interpersonal

attraction predicts that like will attractlike, not only in the dining hall but also atevents sponsored by a racial or ethnic group withwhich one identifies.

Although this identity group formation isnatural and nurturing in the shortrun, Ruggierowarned that "in the long run, self-segregationwill help maintain stereotypes [about otherraces]...during and after college."

However, students affected by randomization,especially those who feel that their tightcommunities have been destroyed, said they takeissue with Professor Ruggiero's suggested "levelof optimal distinctiveness," the balancing ofidentity-preservation with interaction withothers.

"It is not our role to be seasoned rice, tokenambassadors of our race throughout Harvard'sHouses," said panelist and Senior First MarshalBaratunde R. Thurston, speaking in defense ofself-segregation.

"At the end of the day, I am tired of racialstuff," said Thurston, who is also a Crimsonexecutive.

"When I go back to my dorm, I appreciate seeingpeople who have experienced similar things," hesaid.

For most students, however, the issue at theheart of randomization is the difficulty ofsearching for and creating community at Harvard.

Mitchell acknowledged that community buildingwas a positive aspect of the former housingsystem.

Other students charge the administration withthe responsibility for fostering House life in theera of post-randomization.

According to Lori E. Rifkin '00, who lives inQuincy House, the onus of creating community,whether that be an artsy Adams House or moreathletic Mather House, has shifted onto thestudents.

"The Masters and House tutors should be forcedto follow up on randomization," she said