Alum Responds

To the Editors of The Crimson:

In the December 17th issue of The Crimson, you published a front-page story entitled "Alum Barred From Campus For Harassing Currier Tutor." Appearing during the furor surrounding the rape of a Harvard employee in the Science Center, the article made it appear that the "Harvard Alum," Mr. Laurence O. McKinney, had been prohibited from the campus for threatening students at the University. In fact, there have been no incidents of harassment excepting for the claims of a single graduate student. These allegations, made in March, 1985, were without witnesses, formal complaints or other substantiation. They were contested by me in a suit filed against the student in April, 1986.

Those interested in the case are invited to obtain the public record, available at Middlesex Superior Court (Civil Action No. 86-2507, McKinney v. Harvard, et al.). The article was also in error when it suggested that I had been a drug dealer. Quite the reverse, I was a nationally respected drug educator, whose curricula materials were used in schools throughout the country, by the Armed Services and the Smithsonian Institution. My pharmaceutical firm extracts the legal drug THC from marijuana plants processed legally abroad.

I have worked with Harvard as a fundraiser, a reunion coordinator, a career advisor, as well as for the University as a consultant. I am currently a Field Ministry Supervisor for a graduate student at the Divinity School. Laurence O. McKinney

Editor's Note: The Crimson does not necessarily agree with the facts and opinions stated in Mr. McKinney's letter. Nevertheless, The Crimson regrets any misunderstandings which may have occurred as a result of the publication of the December 17, 1988 article. At Mr. McKinney's request, we have agreed to print his letter to the Editors and to refrain from further comment on the matter.