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Harvard University Security, Parking and Museum Guards Union
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Prior to July 1999, each individual Master had the option of hiring an in-house union guard (employed by the university itself) or an outside nonunion guard (employed by a local security-service vendor). Masters routinely hired in-house union guards. And they expected that the assigned guard would dedicate his career to serving the residents of their House.

As one example, the security guard at Mather (Billy Duarte) has been totally committed to serving the residents of that House for the duration of his career. But three weeks before the current union contract was due to expire, management proposed that this local vendor’s guards replace all of Harvard’s union guards, including Duarte.

We have recently received letters from twelve of Mather’s staff members who have responsibility for the security and welfare of House residents.

Mather House has been blessed by the presence of the security guard William Duarte, who has become effectively an icon . . . respected by everybody. There is no “tutor-on-call” who does not receive his help when it comes necessary to close a party, or in general to keep order during quiet hours. It is not necessary to ask him for help—he will be there right on time.
-Fabia G.-B.
Mather House Resident Tutor


Billy is, simply put, an absolute pillar of Mather House. He has performed his job in outstanding fashion and often gone above and beyond the call of duty.
-Finny K.
Mather House Resident Tutor
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Billy is not only a security guard. He is friendly with the students and the staff. Moreover, he treats and is treated like family by the members of the Mather House community. We would hate to see him leave.
-Miguel C.
Mather House Superintendent
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Most importantly, though, Billy enjoys his job and takes it personally. Billy impressively knows the name and even the specific interests of each of the 400 members of the Mather community. In addition to performing his duties, Billy offers the students a helping hand (helping me carry a box during move-out) and an open ear (listening to me vent about my roommate or stress over thesis). Billy's big smile and warm laughter welcomes us into the building daily and reassures us that we feel safe and comfortable because we are in good hands.
-Damaris H.
Assistant to the Superintendent
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Billy's deep commitment to his job at Mather has tangible outcomes. While his official working hours end at 12:30am, Billy always stays till at least 1am if there is a party that a tutor might need help in shutting down. Billy's assistance in enforcing this difficult rule affects both the house community and our surrounding neighborhood. There is a noticeable difference between the nights that Billy works and the nights that a substitute is present, in both the after-hours commitment and in the level of involvement. Billy is effective, he is dedicated, and he contributes enormously to the positive environment of the house.
-Amy D. and J. Carl P.
Mather House Resident Tutors
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Billy's excellent rapport with students and visibility in the House are critical to his effectiveness as a security guard. As tutors, we have frequently observed how students' respect for Billy make them immediately responsive to him, whether he is breaking down an overflowing party or enforcing the College's alcohol regulations. This respect derives not from the security guard's badge or uniform but from the fact that virtually everyone in the House knows, trusts, and appreciates him. Above all, Mather students and staff alike value Billy's fairness and efficiency.
-Margot M. and Peter G.
Mather House Resident Tutors
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It is a commonplace on a pleasant evening to see Billy sitting outside the Superintendent's Office with a group of students hanging out with him. He eats in the dining hall, walks the floors of the building, and goes in and out of his office with regularity. He always seems to be around. Billy always has a joke or a kind word. Billy has a quick smile, a great laugh and an infectious, positive energy. He is beloved by many who have spent time in Mather over the past several years. People talk about him even after they leave, remembering Billy as a very positive part of their residential experience.
-John P.
Mather House Resident Tutor
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Billy has a fantastic rapport with the students. He has taken students on fishing trips and keeps in contact with several former undergraduates. Every Mather student knows him, and he is universally loved. One Friday and Saturday this past spring, as we made the rounds together, Billy stopped to inform residents that their music was too loud or that it was time for a party to end. He handled every encounter with a perfect balance of kindness and firmness, and I was very impressed with the respect that the students showed him.
-Shannon M.
Mather House Assistant Senior Tutor,
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Also, it's kind of strange to me that, in this time where many people don't feel safe in their surroundings, the university is thinking of changing the face of security on campus. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to let people know how nice it is to have you and your team at Harvard. You've been such a consistently active supporter of students on campus—Harvard wouldn't be the same without you.
-Mark P.
Proctor
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We would like to voice our strongest support for maintaining the services of William (Billy) Duarte, the evening security guard at Mather House. . . . It is to Billy that we turn when a student group becomes noisy, when a party starts to get out of hand, when an intruder is in our midst.  Whatever the situation, Billy handles it . . . effectively.  He knows every student who passes through our gates by name, knows where they live, knows their social manners and customs. . . . He is, in short, absolutely necessary to the smooth and effective running of this House, and we would strongly oppose any changes that would alter his position at Mather.
-Sandra N. and Leigh H.
Mather House Masters
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HUSPMGU
Site Editor: Howard Reid
Last updated 11/13/2003.  Published by the Harvard University Security, Parking and Museum Guards Union.