Council Condemns PSLM Living-Wage Sit-In

The Undergraduate Council voted to condemn the Progressive Student Labor Movement (PSLM) sit-in in Massachussetts hall last night after a contentious debate.

At least two students-James C. Coleman `03 and Rohit Chopra `04- left the meeting in an attempt to bring the council's attendance below the 50 percent required for a quorum.

"We didn't feel we had enough votes to defeat the bill, so we walked out," said Coleman. "Normally I would have stayed to vote but I felt very strongly about this one."

However, the 26 representatives that remained were enough to pass the measure 14-9, with two abstentions. Council President Paul A. Gusmorino `02 does not vote at meetings.

The bill did not disagree with the PSLM's cause-a "living wage" for all of Harvard's employees-but it called the group's actions "extreme" and noted the continuing disruption the protest creates for students living and studying in Mass. Hall and in neighboring buildings.

Speakers opposed to the bill said they agreed with the PSLM's cause and argued that condemning the PSLM would serve to undermine the living wage campaign in general.

A harsh debate over parliamentary procedure arose when Council President Paul A. Gusmorino `02, anticipating the attempt to prevent a vote, ruled to seal the council chambers.

Gusmorino refused to comment on his decision to prevent students from leaving, but he said he disagreed with the council's decision.

"Tonight's UC vote was very close and I believe the council made a mistake," Gusmorino said. "The UC is still on record endorsing the living wage despite tonight's vote about the current protest."

The move prevented at least three more students from leaving the meeting in the middle of the vote. Had four students left, they would have brought the council beneath its quorum.

"I think people should be more considerate than to leave in the middle of the vote just because they think they're going to lose," said council representative Sterling P. A. Darling `01.

After the meeting, a handful of PSLM supporters charged the council had violated its charge to support students.

"The UC has become more conservative than the administration," said David B. Orr `01.