Copyright Head Resigns in Row Over Book’s Racist Statements

Marianne Mele Hall, who has come under fire for her work on a book that says blacks “insist on preserving their jungle freedoms,” submitted her resignation as head of a government panel Wednesday, the White House said.

“She thought that the best thing to do would be to resign,” said Dale Petroskey, an assistant White House press secretary.

Petroskey said Hall was not asked to resign but had been holding discussions with the White House in making her decision.

The press aide said he was not aware of Hall ever talking to the President directly, but that her resignation letter was addressed to Reagan. “As far as I know, it will be accepted,” he said.

Takes Effect Immediately

He said the resignation was effective immediately.

More than 100 members of Congress had demanded Hall’s resignation from the $70,000-a-year post as head of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal after disclosures that she was involved in preparation of a 1982 book, “Foundations of Sand,” which also said blacks have an “abhorrence of the work ethic.”

Hall told a House panel last week that she was “merely the editor” of the book, but in documents filed with the Senate at the time her appointment was being considered she described herself as a co-author. She is also listed on the cover of the book as a co-author.