The effects of the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks were highly visible at yesterday’s meeting.

In his remarks to the Faculty, Ellison mentioned legislation currently pending before Congress in Washington that, if passed, would revoke all student visas—greatly affecting the thousands of international students who are part of the Harvard community.

In his opening remarks, Summers addressed the anthrax scare currently facing the nation.

Though Summers urged both Faculty and students to carry on with their lives, he said he was assembling an “informal advisory group,” composed of faculty members and University administrators with “specifically relevant scientific expertise.”

Summers was also asked about the possibility of bringing the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) back to campus—an issue that is getting increasing attention after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Recently, alumni of the University began a petition to reinstate the service.

Summers said that though he personally felt that military service is “honorable” and “vital to making possible institutions like Harvard University,” it is necessary to reconcile Harvard’s committment to the national community with its committment to nondiscrimination.

Summers was asked only two questions during the period reserved for this purpose—and one was directed at Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles.

However, the president preceded the question period by saying he would not take any questions on his inaugural speech, but he did briefly reiterate the major points of the speech.

—Staff writer Kate L. Rakoczy can be reached at rakoczy@fas.harvard.edu.