Protester May Face Law School Ad Board

The Law School Administrative Board may bring charges against a second-year student for his involvement in the Blockade of a dinner at Memorial Hall during September's 350th anniversary celebration, the student said.

Although law student Wilson McLeod was told in September that the Ad Board would not further investigate the protest, he said he received a letter last week from Ad Board officials informing him his case was still under consideration.

McLeod said that Professor Frank E. Sander, chairman of the Law School Ad Board, told him in December that Charles Choicer, a member of the Harvard Corporation, had made allegations against McLeod for his involvement in the protest.

Last week's letter from Sander informed McLeod that the Ad Board would consider his case at its next meeting on February 18.

Earlier this week, McLeod said that the three-month delay in the investigation was unwarranted. He added Sander's stated reason for the delay was "completely implausible. It has not been a matter of fair dealing at any stage."

"I don't think much of the charges they have against me," McLeod said. "I think they are fairly trumped up."

Sander refused to comment on the case.

On September 5, members of the 350th Coalition for Divestment blockaded Memorial Hall and prevented alumni from attending a formal dinner in the building.

The group of protesters included students,alumni and members of the community. Students didnot actively participate in the blockade becausethey wanted to avoid disciplinary action, saidMichael T. Anderson '82, a third-year law studentwho was at the event.

The day after the blockade, McLeod was told hecould not receive his registration packet beforehe spoke of Dean of Students Mary D. Upton.

In the meeting, Upton told McLeod she had areceived a police report which said he was presentat the demonstration and that he might be subjectto disciplinary action. Upton held similarconferences with Anderson and third-year lawstudent Jamie B. Raskin '83.

By September 15, Upton assured the three thatthere would be no further investigation.

On December 6, However, Assistant Dean of theLaw School Stephen M. Bernardi called McLeod intohis office and told him that Schilcter had accusedthe student of participating in a "violentblockade," McLeod said.

Schlicter recognized McLeod because the studenthad served on the Advisory Committee onShareholder Responsibility the previous year.McLeod said that Schlicter charged he had beenprotesting on the south side of Memorial Hall. Themain entrance for the dinner is on the north side.

Schlicter could not be reached for comment.

Anderson, who was with McLeod for most of theevent, said that 40 or 50 students moved to thesouth side of the building during the protest to"watch the doors," though they did not blockadethem.

Anderson said, "I don't know what kernal oftruth is behind Schlicter's fantasy. Wilson wascertainly not doing anything remotely violent."

McLeod said he was on the south side of thebuilding for five to 10 minutes, but left because"it was boring. I just talked to a friend."

McLeod said he has hired a lawyer to help himdecide how to proceed with the case." In an effortto avoid the "Absence of fair treatment" whichMcLeod says characterizes the Law School Ad Board,he has asked for an open hearing and immunity forstudent witnesses if formal charges are pressed