To the Editors of The Crimson:

I basically agree with your editorial ("Big Step Nowhere," May 23) characterizing the University's numerical goals as being "unambitious." However, I am certain that you and your readers know that affirmative action programs involve more than numbers. In fact, before one can obtain numbers, it is absolutely necessary to deal with attitudes towards the people those numbers represent.

Accordingly, I would raise three questions: 1) Who determines the number of positions becoming available at various levels within the faculties and the administrative units? 2) Who determines the numbers and kinds of people who will be appointed to those positions? 3) Who presumably has the knowledge of the population or pools of talent from which these appointments will be made?

The Crimson is well aware that my office agrees that the projected increases in the representation of minority group members and women within the University are disappointingly small. However, in the final analysis, this office can submit to the HEW and to the community at large, only those plans, goals, projections and timetables submitted to it by the various deans, department heads and administrative units within the University. The fact is that anyone with a modicum of understanding of the University structure knows that Harvard operates on a system of "every tub on its own bottom."

It has not been easy to get the University community to understand and accept both the principles and practices required to promulgate an effective Affirmative Action Program. In addition to explaining the various legal requirements, it has been my goal to persuade the Harvard community that, regardless of whether the laws exist, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action are not only right on their own merits, but are also good business practices and are consistent with the University's mission.

Furthermore, we have tried to go beyond the faculties, deans, department heads and administrative units. We have suggested to other Harvard affiliated units such as news media, student organizations, etc. that they, too, should affirmatively seek out individuals from various racial and ethnic groups and women within the University and give them the opportunity to perform at various levels within these organizations.

It is a misdirected finger that points to Massachusetts Hall or the administration as the culprits if affirmative action fails at Harvard. Walter J. Leonard   Special Assistant to the President