One PSLM member spoke about the hardships experienced by her immigrant grandmother as a reason for her personal support of a living wage.

"It's a personal affront that Harvard University would think it's ok, for one second, to not pay people like [my grandmother] a living wage," Chanda S. Prescod-Weinstein '03 said.

Others emphasized the responsibility of the University and of students to support a living wage in the name of "common humanity."

"We have a responsibility to commit on behalf of these workers," said BSA member Claudia A. Sitgraves '02. "To whom much is given, much is required."

Although no Afro-American Studies Faculty were present at the teach-in, the department has almost unanimously endorsed a living wage for University workers.

Teach-in organizer and BSA Political Action Chair Fred O. Smith '04 said that only K. Anthony Appiah, professor of Afro-American Studies and of Philosophy, has not endorsed a living wage.

The Harvard National Association for the Advancement of Colored People also announced its endorsement of a living wage at the teach-in, joining a roster of more than 40 student groups who have endorsed the cause.