Merry Touborg, spokesperson for Harvard University Human Resources, said that although layoffs were difficult, the University has a responsibility to its donors, students and alums “to ensure that as large a portion of resources as possible is preserved to meet Harvard’s academic goals.”

Touborg pointed to the downturn in the national economy as a reason for recent budget troubles.

“Like most of our peers we are now trying to adjust to the economy and meet the advice of the people who support the University to be sure that we’re spending our money on our priorities,” she said.

Touborg said that Harvard is doing more than most American businesses to protect workers.

“I think we are held to a higher standard,” she said. “We are not cutting benefits, and we are very generous about how much time people have to look for a job, and very generous with our severance packages, if you compare it to other people.”

Since last June, 202 Harvard employees have been marked for imminent layoffs, according to Touborg. That figure is composed of 100 administrative and professional workers, 85 members of HUCTW and 17 service and trades workers, she said.

Around the Horn

Between speeches, the group of picketers marched in a circle and alternately chanted, “Lay off, Larry!” and “Hey, Harvard: What’d you know? No more layoffs, you’ve got the dough!” Many people carried signs, sporting slogans like “Layoffs Wreck Lives.”

Only a handful of students attended, including Undergraduate Council President Matthew W. Mahan ’05, who was out to show his support for the labor movement.

“I don’t see a pressing need for us to lay off people right now. This is just about keeping the endowment at a ridiculous level, which I don’t think it has to be,” Mahan said. “I think it’s completely irresponsible and I think it’s a bad example for us to set.”

Mahan said that he would address the issue of labor protection at Sunday’s Undergraduate Council meeting.

Vanessa A. Pope ’07, a member of the Socialist Alternative, said that she was disappointed in the small number of students that came to the rally.

“I think if you believe in idealism, you should be here,” she said. “I think it’s a good protest, but I wish it were bigger.”

According to Pope, Brian C.W. Palmer ’86, lecturer on the study of religion, made an announcement about the rally in his course, Religion 1529, “Personal Choice and Global Transformation.”

Although Palmer was not in attendance, two of his colleagues—Professor of Romance Languages Brad Epps and Loeb Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology David G. Mitten—made speeches during the protest.