"No one has ever accused Rudenstine of being a personally evil person. Regardless, his background is irrelevant to the campaign," said PSLM member Amy C. Offner '01. "It doesn't matter how much his parents made and where he grew up. The concern here is a social crisis in our community and on our campus."

PSLM leaders say that as president of the University, Rudenstine holds the power to effect a living wage of $10.25 per hour for all Harvard workers.

"He is the person ultimately responsible for the policy--he makes himself fair game for criticism," said Benjamin L. McKean '02, a member of PSLM. "I wonder, would he pay his mom the wages he pays the workers at the law school? I think not."

In addition, PSLM members say timing is key--they want to push Rudenstine to implement a living wage before he steps down in June.

They say they hope to convince him that his legacy as president depends on his stance on working conditions.

"We wanted to target him because he is stepping down. His labor wage policies will have a lot to do with his legacy," Offner said. "He has an excellent opportunity....He will be hailed as a great hero, a progressive leader--it would be a great thing if Harvard adopted a living wage."

And holding Rudenstine up as a figurehead, members say, is good strategy and effective rhetoric.