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Editor's Note: This letter was sent to the editor of the class of `43 newsletter and a copy was forwarded to the Review. Dear Mr. Leavitt, I note that my name is included as a donor to Dartmouth. Actually I have not made a contribution to the College since it was apparent that President Freedman and more recently his successor were directing the future of Dartmouth toward a socialist orientation, generally described as “liberal” in the political sense. The autocratic approach to destroying fraternities by the administration and trustees, together with the widespread lack of discipline and intolerance on campus is ruining the greatness of Dartmouth as we knew and appreciated it. We have been told to accept the recent orders that statements from above are not to be questioned as they are, in fact, fait accompli. What has happened to the foundations of the republic? Sincerely,
To the Editor: I read with interest in the recent Dartmouth Review, and in the recent letter from the Hopkins Institute, and in The Christian Science Monitor about the uproar generated by President Wright's determination to change the character of social life on the campus. I believe the decision is unwise in ignoring the wishes of the alumni and student body, and I enclose my signed copy of the petition (to remove President Wright from office). Apparently President Wright has the support of the Trustees for this action. Since the Dartmouth Review first began publication there have been several replacements on the Board of Trustees, and we alumni have had the opportunity to vote for candidates. On at least two such occasions, I have asked the Hopkins Institute to suggest a candidate who would reflect our viewpoint. On each occasion, my request has been either ignored or overlooked. Neither was any choice offered by the Review. Do we have any friends among the trustees? Sincerely,
To the Editor: Sounds as if your new president is a promoter of free-sex or asking for sexual harassment suits by the hundreds. Gordon Fish
To the Editor: I am not strongly pro- or con- fraternities/sororities. But I am against Dartmouth's administration's dictating what they feel should be a student's social life. J. G. Edwards, D.M.D, '61
To the Editor: The recent strange announcements by Massachusetts newspapers about changes in Dartmouth College policy and the administration's very inept response to requests for more detailed and accurate information lead me to believe that the Trustees of the College have failed miserably. If the administration at Dartmouth is inadequate to manage the social life of the college without strong-arm legislation then I believe that there is a management failure at Dartmouth of historic proportion. That college administrators would attempt to impose their preconceived ideas of social law on the very bright and more mentally capable undergraduates is bizarre. Arthur L. Boschen '59
To the Editor: It's a circulation raiser for you, but the frats have always been a pain. Russ Keep, '51
To the Editor: Enclosed please find my check for a new subscription. Thanks in advance for letting me know what is really going on Hanover. Among other things, my Dartmouth education taught me not to believe everything I read. Ironically, this lesson is especially helpful when I sit down with a copy of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine. Keep up the good work. Heather M. Valliant '91
To the Editor: Our son, Robert William Meyeringh II `93, died tragically on March 4, 1997. As you can well imagine, it is a very difficult to cope with a son's death, particularly at such a young age. One of the things that helps us immensely in the grieving process, is to remember him in some of the happiest stages of his life. Without a doubt, his years at Dartmouth come to mind. He chose Dartmouth because of the traditions that made it unique. Every time a tradition was erased (the Dartmouth Indian symbol, the clay pipe ceremony) he complained bitterly that a part of the real Dartmouth was being chipped away. Bill loved Dartmouth and was so proud to be a part of it. Still vivid in our minds, is the afternoon after graduation, when we quietly walked with him to all his favorite places. It was touching to see how hard it was for him to let go of his life at Dartmouth, but particularly of his home away from home, his beloved fraternity Theta Delta Chi. Dartmouth taught Bill so much, but the life lessons he learned with his brothers back at “the Lodge” were just as important a part of the wonderful young man he became. His life was enriched with the friendships he made at the fraternity, and we were honored to have one of his “brothers” read at his funeral. We can only sadly imagine his reaction to yet another tradition being chipped away, and hope that this project is vehemently voted down so that other young men can have the whole experience that our son was fortunate enough to have. Sincerely,
To the Editor: I am writing in response to President Wright's letter of Feb. 9th and the accompanying notice from the Trustees regarding a change in the residential environment of Dartmouth. Frankly, the manner in which this was handled is an insult to us all. We are told that our input regarding the fundamental decision is of no consequence; the decision has been made. We can, however, make suggestions about implementation. In the real world, none of us who manage large organizations would think of undertaking such a major shift without consulting our many constituents. Like many institutions of higher learning today, Dartmouth simply assumes it knows best when it comes to questions of personal choice, freedom of expression, and similar very basic rights. One could go on at length but this type of discussion never seems to register at Dartmouth and many of us hesitate to bother anymore. It is a very sad state of affairs. The Trustees have truly failed in their responsibilities. David R. Singleton '62
Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Dartmouth President James Wright. Dear President Wright: I am a politically incorrect alumnus who has granite rocks in his head and muscles. I happen to support coeducational Dartmouth as well as the goal of a diverse student body. I realize that as President you are responsibly to - and influence - the Trustees. One of the principles enunciated by the Board of Trustees is: “The [residential and social] system should be substantially coeducational and provide greater opportunity for interaction among all Dartmouth students.” Apparently, this is the basis for your recent ukase regarding all fraternities and sororities becoming coeducational. Written in stone. Nonnegotiable. If you had intended to create an anti-Dartmouth animus in the media, among alumni(ae), and among high school students and their parents, you couldn't have done a better job. This unilateral decree is a sea change at Dartmouth, only slightly less impacting than the decision to go coed. May I remind you that before implementing the desire of the Trustees and President to go coed, all alumni were contacted in writing and their views solicited. The student body, faculty and staff were all addressed, and their input was solicited. I wish that you had chosen a similar approach for a decision of this magnitude. It hurts those of us who love Dartmouth to see the College made a laughing stock in talk radio, on TV, in the print media, and in personal discussions. What ever happened to freedom of choice in the state that memorializes: “Live free of die!”? Why deny to each fraternity and sorority, without penalty, the right to decide whether or not to go coed? I respectfully suggest that your actions in this matter create a public perception of abuse of power, which I'm sure was not your intention. My best,
To the Editor: Last year, in protest, I gave money to the Dartmouth Golf Team but not the College. Wouldn't you know that I received credit from the Administration as though I had given the money to the School. On top of that, they understated my contribution by several hundred dollars. I was embarrassed to have published that I had given them any money at all. I am not signing your petition because I believe it to be a futile exercise. It would be much better to just file suit and a Class Action may be appropriate. Tell me where to send the money if this venue is chosen. These people must be taught a good lesson and must be restrained from committing any further depredations on the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of the students. Also, they must be forced to back down from the position they have brazenly taken. Fascism, move over! Sincerely, |
