CAR Criticizes Wilson's Book 'Sociobiology'

The Boston chapter of the Committee Against Racism (CAR) held a meeting yesterday to denounce what they called determinist theories like those in the book, "Sociobiology" by E.O. Wilson, professor of Zoology.

Steve Rosenthal, lecturer in sociology at Boston University, who presided over the meeting, said that Wilson's hypothesis regarding the existence of genes for behavior would fuel existing racist propaganda.

Rosenthal said Wilson's ideas about genetics could be used by segregationist groups as a rationale for claiming the inevitability of racial inequities.

The committee also strongly criticized Arthur Jensen's election to the American Academy of Sciences. Jensen, who was elected for his contribution to psychological research, received wide publicity in the late '60s for his thesis that social stratification arose from inherited intelligence differences.

Bob Leonhart '65, a member of CAR, said it is important to raise consciousness among both the academic community and the general populace regarding the possible harm to the fight against racism of Wilson's and Jensen's ideas.

Nancy Bancroft '63, a member of CAR, criticized Wilson's behavioral theory as being potentially sexist, and said that it could be used to reinforce traditional male-dominant stereotypes.

CAR is now circulating at Harvard a petition calling for a stop to the "teaching of sociobiology as a scientific truth in any department."

Wilson could not be reached for comment yesterday.