Since last May, the University has had the chance to extend this recognition to the crest of its administration as well. Tenure processes and administration appointments have often been compared to a political process. And, as in politics, the presidential selection process will become a matter of women occasionally replacing the white males who have previously been the only type of person to hold--or to be considered for--the position.

But why should the University make any effort to change what has been the status quo throughout the University's history? Harvard is certainly as popular and as prestigious as ever--donations and applications have not slowed down simply because women hold a mere fraction of the tenured faculty positions at the University or because a woman has yet to reign over Massachusetts Hall. Why should Harvard begin to broaden its horizons, address women's issues and make concerted efforts to diversify its faculty and administration when there is no pressing need to do so?

Harvard has the responsibility to think outside of the box. Throughout the country and the international community, heads turn when our name is mentioned. The next University president, secure with the resources afforded by a near-$15 billion endowment, should carry the vision and emphasis on education into the national arena. The nature of the post is such that the efforts made by the president are as symbolic as the choice of the leader. Rudenstine made occasional ventures into the national spotlight, advocating affirmative action programs and funding for university research, but his heart, or at least his agenda, was clearly in the schmoozing and the money. Our wealth and prestige leave us in a comfortable position to promote secondary and especially primary education throughout the nation.

That same vision--to encourage Harvard's own high standards of instruction throughout all levels of education--and that ability to think outside the box must be extended to the presidential selection process.

Should the committee select a woman for the position, the transition in Harvard history would have far-reaching consequences more significant than anything the University has ever done for the ideal of equality.

Jordana R. Lewis '02, a Crimson executive, is a history and literature concentrator in Eliot House.