But Roeper said she was justified in refusing Ryan's request.

She said outside observers, who do not have a stake in the WRC, would interfere in the organizing process.

"The dialogue is not going to be easy and we don't need any distractions," she said. "It's about moving the organization forward, not giving out information. We can do that another time."

Activism erupted on campuses across the country last week as activists urged schools to join the WRC before its founding conference.

Students at Tulane University are occupying an administrative building, students at Purdue University have been holding a hunger strike for more than a week, and students at Syracuse University went on a nude bike ride across campus to protest the wearing of clothing made in sweatshops.

Benjamin L. McKean '02, a member of PSLM, said protests on other schools motivate activists here.

McKean, who is also a Crimson editor, said Harvard students gathered last night to call Yale administrators to express support for the demonstrations.

"It's always terrific when another school steps it up. It encourages us," he said. "Harvard can't resist the national momentum forever."