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. The City University of New York
) 535 East Eightieth Street
Now York, New York 10021
July 2, 1968

Office of the Chancellor

Members of Community College VII Planning and Presidential

To:
Search Committee

s of meetings, at the staff level,

Albert H. Bowker
Our purpose in

SEGH a SELLS

From:
During the past few weeks, we have
with the representatives of the Bedford-Stuyvesant community.

having these meetings was to keep up communications and fill time until the com-
These sessions have followed |

munity committee was ready to work on the presidency.
They requested that we provide

the familiar pattern of demands and bargaining.

them with space and services so that they would have a place to meet, would be

able to keep the community informed of their activities, and would be able to have

the necessary resources available so that they could make intelligent and free
decisions on behalf of the community.. A budget of their requests is attached. We
have indicated general agreement except in the matter of consultants.

Ordinarily my office provides such supportive services as may be needed by advisory
committees and search committees. This is the pattern we followed with the Baruch
Advisory Committee, and are now following with the Special Advisory Committee on
Harlem and the SEEK Advisory Committee. Thus, we do not have much experience in
dealing with requests of this nature, but it is our feeling that we should make
an effort to cooperate and try to work toward the reduction of the feeling of mis-

trust that now exists.
The question is a matter of judgment on how to proceed rather than a financial concern.

We do have a substantial sum available for the planning of Community College Number V:
A rational examination of the request leads me to the conclusion that they really
don't need the space and services requested. However, they feel strongly that this
is an important step in equalizing their position in relation to the Board. It is
my feeling that an affirmative move by us at tiis stege of the overall negotiations,
even though questionable as an independent action, would provide long-range benefits.

Up to now we have handled this matter at a staff level to save the Board members
from the trouble of continuous meetings. We do not, however, wish to do anything
the Board might feel is inappropriate. Therefore, if you want us to tell the’ Bedforc-
Stuyvesant Committee that we cannot honor their request, we shall act accordingly.

However, I do think that such action will precipitate a major crisis.

What is your pleasure?

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