Class Attendance Falls Drastically As Harvard Observes Moratorium

Attendance at Harvard classes-those which met at all yesterday-dropped drastically, as students stayed away to observe the Moratorium.

Dean Ford's office was unable to estimate how many Faculty of Arts and Sciences members canceled their classes, or how many students attended those classes which met. But at noontime, the usual crowds of students were absent from the Yard: only a few students changing classes, some strolling couples, and groups of students going to rallies were in evidence.

With the exception of the Business School, the graduate schools either form ally or informally canceled most classes.

A scattered sampling revealed that attendance in undergraduate classes which met was less than a quarter of normal. Only eight students. for example, instead of the usual 20 or 30 attended Government 136 ("Introduction to Political Economy").

No Disruptions

There were no reports of disruptions of classes which met yesterday. Many of the professors who held class said they did so in respect of the rights of students who wished to come to class yesterday.

Most of the students interviewed in classes said they supported the Moratorium, but simply didn't want to miss their classes.

"Professor Sterling Dow was giving a class." Rutledge Valley 71 said, walking out of nearly empty Emerson Hall. "I didn't think my influence would help the peace effort.

"By the way," he added. "it was the best lecture he's ever given."

Similarly, George Briggs '71 said, "Although I support the Moratorium I feel I can do more good going to class. I feel it will help my education, and I don't think I'm hurting the cause too much."

There were, however, some political objections to the Moratorium. "Basically, I don't agree with what the Moratorium's protesting," Neil Dale '72 said. "I don't see how anyone could take my participation except as support of total withdrawal. I don't disagree with Nixon that firmly."

Sandy Smith '70 said, "I chose not to associate myself with people against the war because I don't like their politics."

At least 30 or 40 businesses, including the Coop, around Harvard, closed for all or part of the day to observe the Moratorium.