HCUA Clashes on Open Elections, Will Vote on Question Next Week

After heated debate the Harvard Council for Undergraduate Affairs voted last night to postpone until next week the question of whether future HCUA elections should be open to the public.

Arguing for a closed meeting, Marc A. Slotnick '64 charged that "in the last HCUA election there was distortion and slander which made the Council look very bad." He contended further that a closed meeting would enable Council members to be less constrained in expressing their opinions about the candidates.

John R. Taylor '65 argued that the HCUA is "a representative of the College," and those who are interested in the HCUA elections should be free to attend. "Besides," he said, "we have nothing to hide.'

Agreeing with Taylor, Joseph M. Russin '64 held that the presence of outsiders at election meetings would make Council members "think twice about making charges that are merely gossip or hearsay." Also, there is less chance of distortion by the news media if they can be present in person, he stated.

Undr consideration by the Council was a proposed amendment to its constitution. As the constitution now stands, HCUA election meetings are open to the public.

earlier, Read H. Ellis '65, who is chairman of the constitution revision committee, presented another amendment changing the time of the Council elections from "the end of the Fall term" to "late February." This amendment was passed unanimously.

In other business, the HCUA decided to have delegates to the National student Association chosen by the Council rather than by a College-wide election.