The Nation : Pendleton Urged to Quit

A leading conservative on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission demanded that commission Chairman Clarence M. Pendleton Jr. resign because his “inflammatory rhetoric and fulminations” have destroyed his effectiveness. John H. Bunzel, who has frequently sided with Pendleton in forming a conservative majority on the seven-member commission, ticked off a series of complaints in a letter to Pendleton. Bunzel catalogued actions that he said have “served to undermine the credibility of the commission.” He contended that Pendleton had “made common cause with those who label extremist anyone who questions the advisability of certain affirmative action policies.” The letter said that Pendleton has charged “those who do not share your views with fostering a ‘new racism.’ ” A spokesman for Pendleton rejected Bunzel’s demand.