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Safety
and Security's Despicable Behavior on December 4th
Date: 05 Dec 1999 00:27:48 EST Dear Proctor McEwen, I am writing to inform you about what I consider to be a gross violation of civil and student rights by Safety & Security officers tonight, December 4th, 1999. Their behavior is shame on your office and Dartmouth College as an institution, and amends — including insurance that such a travesty is never repeated — should be made immediately. Briefly, permit me to inform you of student rights as outlined in the Student Handbook, distributed to all Dartmouth students upon arrival in Hanover. According to the Principle of Community, which "provides a basis for interaction between and among ALL members of the College," one should be "sensitive to and respectful of the rights and interests of others" and "appreciative of the diversity of the community." In the Freedom of Expression and Dissent section, the following is written: "Freedom of expression and dissent is protected by College regulations. Dartmouth College prizes and defends the right of free speech and the freedom of the individual." In the Equal Opportunity clause, Dartmouth claims it "does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, [or] religion . . . in its programs, organizations and conditions of employment and admission" (Student Handbook, iii). I submit that all of these statements have been been grossly contradicted. Tonight marks the second night of Hanukah, festival of the Jewish people. As part of this festival, Jews around the world light a menorah (technically "chanukiah"), or ritual candelabra and place it in their windows as a celebration of the festival and of their Judaism. This much is required by Jewish law. I should also note that blowing out ritual candles of any kind is considered a violation of Jewish law as well. Lighting the menorah is a commonly-observed custom, and one that takes place all over campus, my own room included. Earlier this evening, Sara Yablon '03, a Jewish student, lit the candles on her menorah, placed appropriately by her window. Safety and Security arrived, told her to blow out the candles, and informed her that she would incur a $100 dollar fine for having lit them. This is perhaps the most disgusting display of disregard for the rights and dignity of a student I have witnessed over the course of four years at this school. Although the lighting of open flames is prohibited according to the Student Handbook (p. 184), I can hardly imagine the justification necessary for Safety and Security to apply the prohibition in this case. I further submit that this rule should be changed to accommodate students who wish to practice their religion freely and that this incident be investigated by members of the College community not under the purview of Safety and Security. Ms. Yablon's right to light her menorah is guaranteed by the Constitution, and here I am not being hyperbolic. That the College is party to violating such a right is grounds for great concern (and, probably, legal action). Moreover, that officers of the college explicitly forced a student to violate her religious creed is an abhorrent abuse of their authority. This incident begs immediate action by the College. It is not a matter of interpretation of offense. Rather, it is a categorical act of the suspension of student's religious rights. In that, it should be a blight on the Administration's collective conscience and grounds for quick and substantive action. I suggest you take the necessary steps to make things right. Sincerely, |
