The Honorable Lawrence H. Summers
Office of the President
Harvard University
Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear President Summers:
As a graduate of Harvard University '87, I was disappointed to read of your reported decision to meet with the Reverend Jesse Jackson. I ask you to reconsider. The president of such a prestigious and honored institution as Harvard should not permit himself to become a public relations pawn in Jackson's continued campaign of self-promotion.
The nature of Jesse Jackson's intervention, in particular, should concern you as his reputation clearly and loudly precedes him. The National Legal and Policy Center, on whose board I serve, alleged in an IRS Complaint last year that Jackson has violated the law. We documented how Jackson, his family, and associates have profited improperly from the operation of a non-profit group. A copy of the Complaint is enclosed.
In my opinion, your public comments on Harvard's diversity and reported conversation with Professor West do not merit the controversy or attention they have received. Nevertheless, you have already taken steps to clarify your positions on these matters and defuse any acrimony that may have resulted. There is no need, and never was any need, for a media showman like Jackson to be involved. He comes to Cambridge for his own purposes, not to serve the interests of the faculty or students at Harvard University.
Jackson would bring a history of bad faith to any meeting with you. He is unworthy of your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Kate Hinton
Director
Read a copy of NLPC's IRS Complaint Concerning Citizenship Education Fund
Read NLPC's Media Release Concerning this Letter