A Policy of Protest

MARCH 4 IS A MOVEMENT, NOT A DAY

In an era of inflammatory campus slogans, the message on the red-and-white buttons being passed out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology last week seemed mild enough. Yet it symbolized the emergence of what may well be the most specialized protest group in the academic world today: university scientists and engineers.

The M.I.T. protesters are calling on their own colleagues and on scientists and engineers all over the U.S. to forgo their normal research activities on March 4 and to spend the day dis cussing their concern about Government "overemphasis" on scientific weapons research. "Misuse of scientific and technical knowledge presents a major threat to the existence of mankind," 48 professors state in a document distributed at M.I.T. and on dozens of other campuses. "Through its actions in Viet Nam, our Government has shaken our confidence in its ability to make wise and humane decisions."

Concerted Action. Like many other scientists, the 48 professors and dozens of graduate students backing the March 4 movement at M.I.T. are most incensed about plans for an anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, which they call "illadvised and hazardous." They are also opposed to the development of chemical and biological weapons and the enlargement of the nuclear stockpile. Instead, they suggest that scientific research should be turned increasingly toward solving the nation's environmental and social problems. As the first step toward bringing about such a change in U.S. scientific policy, they call upon scientists "to unite for concerted action."

No one is certain what form that action could take, but scientists at as many as 30 universities have scheduled March seminars and meetings to investigate the possibilities. Many of them, however, have rejected the idea of accompanying research stoppages. Yale University scientists will sponsor two panel discussions as part of a program called "The Scientist and Society: a day of reflection." Faculty members at the University of Minnesota are drawing up a statement opposing the ABM system for presentation at their meeting, which may also be addressed by Minnesota Congressman Donald Fraser. Physicist Edward Condon, his flying saucer investigation completed, is heading a University of Colorado seminar. "I have no idea what will come of it other than blowing off steam," he says frankly, "but I do expect more because feelings have become quite active." At M.I.T., March 4 speakers will include South Dakota Senator George McGovern and Nobel Laureates Hans Bethe (physics) and George Wald (medicine).

Argonne "Work-In." Planners of the March 4 movement anticipate opposition from the scientific community. Indeed, it has already materialized. A dissenting group of M.I.T. professors who support the discussions has signed a statement condemning any work stoppage, which they say "misrepresents the spirit and character of research in a free academic community. Research is not something to be turned on or off like a faucet; it is a matter of continuing involvement."