RUS Renews Women's Studies Push

Sparked by the recent denial of a promotion to Assistant Professor Ethel Klein, the Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) has begun a new effort to pressure University officials to improve the status of Women's Studies at Harvard.

RUS President Elizabeth Young '85 said yesterday that while the action is aimed at improving women's studies in general, the group was encouraged by Government Department Chairman John D Montgomery, who she said had told them that he might reconsider Klein's promotion if students showed interest.

The new effort includes a petition of support for Women's Studies and letters to The Crimson and University administrators. RUS Vice President Christina A. Spaulding '84 said yesterday. She added that 100 students have signed the petition which will be sent to Montgomery, and they plan to continue soliciting support from other students.

Young said that Klein's case is an "important rallying point" for the protests, but "the focus is not Ethel, but Women's Studies "In the letters, RUS officials criticize what they call the University's general disregard for Women's Studies, citing Klein's denial of promotion as an indication of a lack of commitment to the area.

Montgomery said Wednesday that Klein's courses--Gen. Ed. 100, "Introduction to Women's Studies," and Gov. 1330. "The Politics of Women's Liberation--"might not be taught after she leaves, and RUS officials expressed concern that the course would not be replaced.

Teaching Important

The denial of promotion for Klein also indicates an underevaluation of teaching as an important factor for advancement, Klein supporters said yesterday. Michael G. Colantuono '83, former chairman of the Undergraduate Council, said the denial indicated that "undergraduate education is not Harvard's priority." Colantuono said, however, he would not take any action on behalf of Klein because the term is almost done and letters of support have been "remarkably ineffective in the past."

Montgomery would not comment on why Klein was not promoted but said that the criteria for advancement in the Government Department were "scholarship, teaching, and service--in that order."

The Undergraduate Council also plans to ask for more support for Women's Studies through a letter to Montgomery. Jeffrey M Rosen '86, co-chairman of the Council's Academic Committee, said yesterday "Seems that good teaching isn't really rewarded as much as research, "he added.

Students also attributed the denial of Klein's promotion to her political beliefs. Young said that her quality of scholarship was not considered seriously by the Government Department in light of her "glaringly different" political stands.

Klein's first book, which deals with the women's movement, will be published by Harvard University Press later this year Klein, who is lecturing in California, could not be reached for comment.

Although not mentioned in the formal complaints, a petition filed by Michelle J. Orza '84 to pursue a special concentration in women's studies was denied Wednesday. None of the thirteen requests for a special concentration study have been accepted.