The decision of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) to present President Reagan, during a dinner here March 23, a humanitarian award is facing growing opposition by members of the NCCJ.
President Reagan is to receive the Charles Evans Hughes Gold Medal for “courageous leadership in governmental, civic and humanitarian affairs.” The medal is named after the Chief Justice of the U.S. from 1930 to 1941, who was co-founder of the NCCJ. Reagan agreed to receive the award.
The growing controversy within the NCCJ is whether the President should be presented with the award in view of his economic and social policies. The New York Times quoted a confidential memorandum of the NCCJ staff workers which said:
“Because of the effect of these (Reagan’s) policies and prevailing perceptions as to their intent and outcome, intergroup relations are being severely strained.” The memorandum suggests that the decision to honor Reagan “is in clear violation of published selection procedures.”
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