"I don't really think the [organizing] committee intentionally left them out," Epps responded.

Other panelists spoke of the need for tolerance and a recognition of the College's diversity.

"We must celebrate both diversity and the ways in which to express and communicate this diversity," Ruskay said.

Dowling emphasized the importance of "understanding each other, being tolerant to one's views and learning about one another." Still, he said, "We are making progress--but slow progress."

Held said diversity within groups is as important to recognize as diversity among groups.

"[The Jewish community at Harvard is] the Baskin-Robbins of American Jewish life, but there are many more than 31 flavors to choose from," Held said.

"We have something to gain from any Jew, or non-Jew or any person who enters [the Hillel] building," said Held, calling for pluralism.

"All problems are moral problems," Held said, emphasizing the need for unity instead of competition among the various minority groups.

Ali spoke of the importance of hearing a wide range of viewpoints, even if some are controversial.

"We have a right to know the truth, we have a right to seek the truth, we have a right to learn the truth," Ali said. "We cannot respect ourselves if we do not respect the truth."

Parents Speak Out

Some parents who attended the seminar and witnessed the rally seemed surprised by the flaring racial tensions.

"I'm surprised that this debate is going on here, at Harvard, where they are advising the government about how to conduct public policy," said Joan McKay, mother of Marc D. McKay '94. "Where are all the tenured professors?"

Others said they supported the concerns of the students rallying for more attention to diversity.

"They should have a little of everybody up there," said Robert Kirschner, father of Pamela B. Kirschner '94. "If there wasn't a demonstration, it wouldn't be Harvard.