Defending RUS

To the Editors of the Crimson:

The Crimson's recent editorial casting doubt on the "effectiveness" of the Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) missed the point raised by this semester's legislative elections. We agree that RUS must reverse its low profile if it wishes to be an effective and responsive advocate of women's concerns. Contrary to The Crimson's representation of RUS's track record this fall, RUS has tried harder than ever to put together an active and representative legislature.

During the past two years, RUS participation was at an all-time low; rarely did races develop in House elections, freshman participation was infrequent, and several Houses were totally without representation. Thus this year's turnout constitutes a notable improvement. This is especially true considering last spring's change in the Constitution, which created several new seats in the Legislature. The vacancies that did occur were almost all freshman seats.

Charges of lack of publicity are simply untrue: letters, posters and a series of meetings announced the election. The entire executive board worked together to plan the elections. If our work was largely ignored, we can only say that clearly more than good publicity is needed to revitalize RUS.

Criticism of RUS has often been well-deserved. Its unsatisfactory performance in past years has contributed to a negative image. But this year's organization cannot be blamed for the discontent caused by past action--and inaction. The last to justify the mistakes of others, we are enthusiastically trying to deliver what RUS promises its constituency. The Legislature has begun meeting, and committees are setting up special events and investigating issues concerning women at Harvard. A newsletter will be distributed regularly to let women know about RUS programs and political activities.

The Crimson is correct in saying that women at Harvard cannot afford to let the resources RUS offers go untapped. We realize that RUS still has a ways to go. But student participation is the key to a responsive RUS. To judge RUS on its past shortcomings can only undermine students' attempts to strengthen their organization. Jennifer Levin '80, RUS President   Elizabeth Tillinghast '79, Vice-President   Susan Goldstein '80, Treasurer   Heather Pavlik '79, Secretary   Judy Paprin '79   Representative to the Radcliffe Board of Trustees