Council Votes to Support 3 Seminars, Study Arts Project

The Student Council last night unanimously accepted a National Student Association proposal to support three seminars and an International Student Information Center abroad.

At the same time, the council set up a committee to investigate the effect a theatre arts project could have on Harvard education.

The council accepted the N.S.A.'s project for the seminars with two reservations: that a contract for the transfer of funds for the project be drawn up, and that no further financial responsibility, outside of the budget, be accepted.

Action on the theatre arts project followed a statement Sunday by Archibald MacLeish, Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, advocating a graduate followship plan in theatre and public arts and a theatre workshop.

A debate on the make-up of the investigating committee lasted for several hours. Two representatives from undergraduate dramatic groups contended that it would make no difference if the committee were composed entirely of specialists in theatre arts or students. Several council men, however, thought the committee's report would be slanted in favor of the project if specialists filled the committee.

Compromise, 13 to 1

The council finally passed by a vote of 13 to 1 a compromise motion to have the committee composed largely of students interested in the theatre arts, whether or not they are specialists.

"It seems unlikely that this project can be carried out at the present time because of Federal regulations on building materials," council president Richard M. Sandler '52 stated. "However, the council should do its best to keep the project alive."

A method of voting for Permanent Class Committee officers by preferential choice was also agreed on. The Class Marshall would be chosen by preferential ballot from those elected. However, Benjamin F. MacDonald '52 reported that no one has yet filed a petition with 25 names to the nominating committee for a Class Committee position.