To some it is a simple piece of paper with a seal and a few signatures. To others it is a tangible symbol, the culmination of four years of coursework, signifying an eternal connection to the institution of higher learning.

It is a college diploma, and this year the future look of Harvard's has elicited a debate that has triggered one of the few public outpourings of student opinion concerning the status of Radcliffe College.

From heated arguments on the Undergraduate Council e-mail list to a banner-waving, slogan-chanting demonstration on the steps of University Hall, debate concerning the difference in appearance between men's and women's diplomas at the College demonstrates that student opinion is all but clear on the issue.

The Debate

This Commencement Day more than 1,600 men and women will be handed diplomas signifying graduation from the College. Men currently receive a document stamped with the Harvard seal and signed by President Neil L. Rudenstine and Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68.

Women's diplomas, on the other hand, are stamped with both Harvard and Radcliffe seals. Since women at the College are officially admitted to and graduate from Radcliffe College, Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson's signature appears in the place of Lewis'.

On Feb. 22, Rachel E. Barber '99 introduced a bill to the Undergraduate Council recommending that men's and women's diplomas somehow become uniform.

"My whole life I grew up wanting to be a part of Harvard," Barber says. "When I was told that I would have the same college opportunity that my male classmates would, but I would get a different-looking diploma and I would have to graduate differently, it struck me. It made me feel that this dream I had had for my whole life I couldn't have because of my sex."

Barber's bill, co-sponsored by five other council members, quickly sparked heated debate regarding the immediate importance of Radcliffe College to undergraduate women.

"A lot of women feel that Radcliffe isn't a college and hasn't been, at least for the length of our lives," Barber says. "Radcliffe is not a women's college. It doesn't offer education; it isn't a degree-granting institution."

But those who opposed Barber's bill argue that Radcliffe is still very much a part of undergraduate women's lives.

"My sense is that the majority of women would want to be connected to that history and tradition that Radcliffe represents," says Emma C. Cheuse '98. Cheuse, who works for the Radcliffe College Fund, opposed the bill and helped organize an pro-Radcliffe rally April 21 that drew about 80 students.

"It connects us to women that we wouldn't be able to connect to otherwise," she says. "The over-arching connection that Radcliffe gives us over time is what should be represented on the diplomas."

In one of its most highly attended meetings of the year, the council passed Barber's bill with several amendments. The final version called for retaining the Radcliffe seal on women's diplomas but also maintained that Lewis' signature be added. Due to these amendments, the original sponsors withdrew their support before the bill passed.

"I think the bill as it was amended basically proposed a very cosmetic change," says Eric M. Nelson '99, an original sponsor and a Crimson editor. "It was a bill that asked for way too little. The danger with asking for way too little is that you'll get it."