Word: names
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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Included in the referendum is a question asking whether the University should take whatever steps are necessary to change the name of the Engelhard Library at the Kennedy School...
...reason for coming out against the name change is a classic example of money first, morals later (if ever). Allison believes that "changing the name could give offense and demonstrate insensitivity to many people who are dedicated to this University and its purposes and whose financial contributions make possible our inependent pursuit of learning...
...changing the name demonstrates disregard for the large number of students at Harvard who have expressed strong opposition to the naming of a library for a man who made his fortune by taking advantage of apartheid conditions and helping to perpetuate them through his support--financial and moral--of the South African regime...
Attempting to offer some moral underpinnings for his opposition to the name-change, Allison states it "would do little to advance the cause of freedom in South Africa." While there is no direct correlation between the renaming of the library and the fall of the white minority government, having the name Engelhard attached to the Kennedy School gives legitimacy to Engelhard's actions in South Africa, and to the company bearing his name which continues to operate there. The current Engelhard family parent corporation, Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals, has refused to reveal the extent of the assets and activities...
...course, Allison does not have the authority to change the name of the Engelhard library. That would require a change in the contract between Harvard Corporation and the Engelhard Foundation. But Allison's support of the desire of the majority of the student body would probably have a powerful effect on the Corporation, which is not even considering the issue. As it is, his pious support of South African freedom does not carry much weight...