News stories from Sunday December 2, 1979
Summaries of the stories the major media outlets considered to be of particular importance on this date:
- Iranians began voting on the new Islamic constitution. The start of the two-day referendum overshadowed the news of the Shah's flight from New York to Texas. The initial turnout appeared to be light, and there were signs of resistance in areas where ethnic minorities live. The new constitution, drafted by the clergy-dominated Assembly of Experts, vests absolute authority in an overseer "known and accepted as a leader by the majority of the people." [New York Times]
- A statewide walkout In Hawaii ended when state and county blue-collar workers, who had been on strike since Oct. 22, ratified a two-year contract that will cost the governing bodies $33 million more than had been budgeted for the current fiscal biennium. Most of the 7,700 workers are to return to work tomorrow, following the announcement of the ratification vote Saturday. The strike settlement provides for a $100 monthly increase for most employees in each year of the two-year period that began July 1. [New York Times]
- A somber outlook for race relations in the 80's was indicated in interviews with blacks and whites in the New York City area. Both blacks and whites described an uneasy relationship that often exists between them, despite apparent gains in integration. Economics -- fears about housing values and competition for jobs, for example -- frequently cause friction, they said. But they described other causes of racial tension ranging from subtle social factors to overt racism. The interviews also indicated a declining interest among whites in maintaining the links with blacks formed during the civil rights movement of the 60's. [New York Times]
- Harvard University's drive to raise $250 million in the next five years will test not only the loyalty of its alumni, from which it hopes most of the money will come, but also a judgment on the notion that Harvard is special and worth keeping that way. President Derek Bok recently told a group of alumni that the purpose of the appeal is not to build or expand, but, in a time of economic stress, to maintain its standing. The fund drive is also needed to preserve Harvard's vigor and, to some extent, restore it. [New York Times]
- Mormon authorities completed a trial that could result in excommunication for Sonia Johnson, a 43-year-old feminist in conflict with her church over her outspoken support of the proposed equal rights amendment to the Constitution. She has been charged with "spreading false doctrine." Following the trial at a Mormon church in Oakton, Va., Mormon officials said the accusation against Mrs. Johnson was being "carefully and prayerfully considered." [New York Times]
- Libyan demonstrators attacked the American Embassy in Tripoli, setting fire to it, but the embassy staff escaped, the State Department said. About 2,000 protesters stormed the five-story building, which was badly damaged. The State Department spokesman said that "the strongest possible protest" had been made to Libyan authorities "over the inadequate and unresponsive" actions of Libyan security forces." [New York Times]
- Election returns in Portugal indicated victory for the right-wing Democratic Alliance, which cut sharply into constituencies of the pivotal Socialist Party. The alliance, a coalition of conservative parties, seemed to be heading for an absolute parliamentary majority. It was polling 46.4 percent of the vote, giving it so far 51 seats in the 250-member National Assembly. [New York Times]