According to the letter delivered to Summers, the committee is requesting copies of any communications between Harvard and the funders of the lab, records of Klausner’s visits to Harvard and to Schreiber’s laboratory as well as the records of the Harvard Presidential Search Committee—which under University rules are sealed for 80 years following the conclusion of the search.

Harvard’s Senior Director of Federal and State Relations Kevin Casey said that the Harvard administration has not yet decided on a response to the letter from the committee.

“We’re trying to determine what the requests are and how to best cooperate with the committee,” he said. “It’s a lengthy document that we’re still in the process of evaluating.”

Casey would not say whether Schreiber will be questioned by the University, though he said that “all relevant steps will be taken” in order to comply with the committee’s requests.

Schreiber was in Manhattan for a meeting yesterday and could not be reached for comment.

Robert G. Stone, chair of the presidential search committee that chose Summers, said that the allegations against Klausner are “ridiculous” and “far-fetched,” but confirmed that Klausner was considered to fill Harvard’s top job.

“We interviewed 30-40 candidates seriously, and he was one of those,” Stone said. “He didn’t get past that round, but he’s a plausible candidate for anybody.”

“I’ve met with Rick myself and he’s one of the most ethical people, a brilliant scholar,” Stone said.

Stone added that he believed that Harvard would release all presidential search documents requested by the House Committee.

“I’m sure Harvard will do it,” he said. “There’s nothing to hide.”

According to Stone, the documents from this most recent presidential search have not been accessed since Summers was chosen in March 2001.

The House Committee letter states that all documents must be submitted by the University by Dec. 10.