Horner and Radcliffe Students Discuss Women and Education

President Horner and directors of various Radcliffe offices met yesterday with students to discuss the impact of Radcliffe on women's education now and in the future.

Horner said departments that have the most trouble finding tenured women faculty are frequently the ones that graduate the most women Ph.Ds.

Although one-half of a Mellon grant for research on women's studies using Radcliffe facilities has been set aside for Harvard post-doctoral scholars, very few have applied. Horner said. She added that the program has received many applications from faculty at other universities.

Horner said the charge that there are no qualified women eligible for tenure is a "fatuous argument and doesn't even make sense."

She said she is considering bringing together Patricia M. King, the director of the Schlesinger Library, and Mellon and Centennial Scholars to design a women's studies course for degree credit. Horner holds a tenured position enabling her to sponsor such a course.

Several undergraduate women suggested that Radcliffe establish a staffed central office for women.

Nancy D. Krieger '80, said she finds that many women are not aware of Radcliffe's existence or its effect on their lives. She added that she spoke to Susan W. Lewis, associate dean of freshmen, about finding a central place for women but that "no space could be found."

Radcliffe owns space in Lehman Hall, though "Harvard may not be aware of it," Horner added.

"There is a sense of place and program called Radcliffe and the problem is how to communicate." Horner said.