The apparent split in campus opinion led HDS to postpone its decision to bring back grapes and allow the campus to decide the fate of grapes in the dining halls.
Known as the "Great Grape Referendum," the vote was finally held on Dec. 3, 1997.
The controversy spurred a great deal of campus activity during the fall as students rallied into pro and anti-grape factions.
The Grape Coalition, chaired by Adam R. Kovacevich '99, was created to support the repeal of the boycott. Existing organizations such as the Progressive Student Labor Movement and Harvard-Radcliffe RAZA led concerted efforts against the repeal.
Kovacevich, whose family owns a grape farm in Calif., told The Crimson in 1997 that he was pleased with the campus vote to uphold HDS's decision.
"I don't think a yes vote was a sign of Harvard students turning their back on farm workers," Kovacevich said in 1997. "[Students] are tired of being force-fed ideologies."
Sergio J. Campos '00, president of RAZA during the grape dispute said he took comfort in knowing students were concerned with worker conditions in California, though the campus decision showed otherwise.
Read more in News
Liberal Arts Graduates To Enjoy Hot EconomyRecommended Articles
-
After Grapes: Where Is Our Conscience?M ore students voted in last week's Great Grape Referendum than in last year's Undergraduate Council presidential and vice-presidential elections,
-
Chavez Asks Students To Join Grape BoycottHarvard students should participate in a national boycott of California grapes and urge the dining halls to stop serving them,
-
Students Object To Serving GrapesThe Annenberg Hall staff received 11 feedback forms yesterday relating to the decision of Harvard Dining Services (HDS) to lift
-
Today's HDS Vote On Grapes Raises Complex IssuesThe Great Grape Referendum is finally here. After the cancellation of a referendum planned for Nov. 21, two revisions of
-
Path to Grape Referendum Has Many Unexpected TurnsThe recent controversy surrounding grapes has surprised even the most savvy pundits with its bizarre twists and unexpected turns. The
-
Be Conscientious: Vote "No" on GrapesT oday, the grape vote has finally arrived. At breakfast, lunch or dinner today, make your voice heard not only
