The University should also end its present unofficial policy of discouraging house transfer requests, which are based on sexual orientation issues, according to a large number of gay students.

Dean of Housing Thomas A. Dingman '67 says that the usual response to such requests is to "urge the student to go back and talk to the people who have responsibility for the house" rather than to allow the student to transfer.

Such a policy "sort of assumes that people have the responsibility to educate people around them," says BGLSA Co-Chair Rachel E. Cohen '94. She is "not happy about that policy."

The College could also help create a gay student center, say Smith and students. This would help foster close ties between gay undergraduates, graduates and faculty, says Warren Goldfarb '69, professor of sociology.

The presence of openly gay administrators and faculty could also be increased, says Thurston Smith, director of Harvard Network for Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay Issues. Smith is also the College's point person on issues concerning sexual orientation.

As for the houses, gay students say administrators and house masters can do more to improve the College's tolerance level.

One important indication of openness is welcoming gay student groups' activities, they say. Lowell House's masters, who joined a sit-in in their dining hall in protest of last year's slurs, made a strong statement of support, Frazier says.

In addition, Cohen says she would like more forums and conversations on gay issues to be presented, especially to first-years.

Although few deem them totally adequate, the College's present efforts form a good foundation, students say.

Groups like CONTACT, which is a support group mostly aimed at gay and bisexual students, and a new counseling session to address the issue of coming out--sponsored by University Health Services--are steps in the right direction, they say.

College officials say that although gay students want more done, Harvard is committed to establishing an environment comfortable for gays.

"I don't know the answer, but I think the College has attempted to create a tolerant environment, where people don't need to be concerned about their sexual orientation," says Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III.