The Undergraduate Council voted to condemn the Progressive Student Labor Movement (PSLM) sit-in in Massachussetts hall last night after a contentious debate.
At least two students-James C. Coleman `03 and Rohit Chopra `04- left the meeting in an attempt to bring the council's attendance below the 50 percent required for a quorum.
"We didn't feel we had enough votes to defeat the bill, so we walked out," said Coleman. "Normally I would have stayed to vote but I felt very strongly about this one."
However, the 26 representatives that remained were enough to pass the measure 14-9, with two abstentions. Council President Paul A. Gusmorino `02 does not vote at meetings.
The bill did not disagree with the PSLM's cause-a "living wage" for all of Harvard's employees-but it called the group's actions "extreme" and noted the continuing disruption the protest creates for students living and studying in Mass. Hall and in neighboring buildings.
Speakers opposed to the bill said they agreed with the PSLM's cause and argued that condemning the PSLM would serve to undermine the living wage campaign in general.
A harsh debate over parliamentary procedure arose when Council President Paul A. Gusmorino `02, anticipating the attempt to prevent a vote, ruled to seal the council chambers.
Gusmorino refused to comment on his decision to prevent students from leaving, but he said he disagreed with the council's decision.
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