"The reason we asked them to move was we wanted to ensure that everyone who was associated with our group was saying the same message and was on the same page," Sternin said.

Despite the sharp contrast between the two groups' stances, Associate Dean of the College David P. Illingworth '71 said he was pleased with the civility of the two gatherings.

"I have been very impressed that people have stayed away from each other and have allowed each other to speak," Illingworth said.

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68 said he was proud of "the dignified and respectful way" both groups carried off their respective events.

"Each group had the opportunity to rally support for its cause without any confrontation, insult or disruption of the other," Lewis wrote in an e-mail message. "It is important for students to make their views known and for Harvard to stand behind students' rights to have and to express deeply held views, even or perhaps especially when they arise from apparently intractable differences on a global level."

HSI Vice President Myles S. Brody '01, the emcee of the HSI rally, said that although the two groups disagree, he looks forward to working with SAS in the future.

"I certainly respect them for being here and remaining silent," Brody said. "They are our friends, and we look forward" to working with them in the future.

A private roundtable discussion among representatives from Hillel, SAS and the Harvard Islamic Society will take place on Thursday.