Protests Over Politics Cloud Eve of Voting

Today's '51 permanent class committee and class marshal election was preceded by a storm of protest last night because one candidate, Jefferson Watkins '51, used a Social Relations thesis poll for campaign purposes.

The poll, distributed by Watkins to 700 seniors, asked questions about the subjects' attitudes toward the College. It was prefaced by commentary by Watkins stating his ideas for improving the workings of the permanent class committee.

Affixed to the poll was a short letter reading, "If you are in favor of my ideas and feel that projects like this will benefit our class, I hope you will support me for election to the '51 Permanent Class Committee. Sincerely, Jeff."

Both the Student Council and the Social Relations Department reported receiving "several" protests about the poll.

Council president Richard M. Sandler '52 last night labeled Watkins' action "poor taste," but said Watkins had not broken any election rules. Sandler emphasized, however, that there is a "tacit agreement and tradition that candidates for the class committee do not engage in politicking."

Watkins last night said he was "sorry" and termed his action "the most foolish thing I ever did." As he was getting ready to distribute the polls, he said he became so "enthusiastic" about his ideas (a class news letter after graduation and class committee files on members of the class) that he decided to run so he could put them into effect.

Henry W. Riecken, Jr. '39, lecturer on Social Psychology and head Social Relations tutor, called Watkins' actions "unethical" and said the department "did not condone such illegitimate tactics in scientific research."

Eleanor E. Maccoby, instructor in Social Psychology and Watkins' tutor, said last night she had not seen Watkins poll before he distributed it and asserted she had not discussed his work with him since before Christmas.

Mrs. Maccoby said she was "unenthusiastic" about Watkins' tactics, but added that his thesis project should not be judged by this incident alone.

Balloting will take place at lunch and dinner today in all the Houses and at Dudley. Those who are connected neither with a House nor with Dudley can vote in the Council office in Phillips Brooks House