Sundaynight's discussion about the offensive poem read aloud at Beta Theta Pi fraternity's Wednesday meetings prematurely ended a discussion that should be opened up to the entire campus. Hopefully the College's investigation will succeed in bringing the discussion out from behind closed doors.
After finding the poem, a small group of friends took it upon themselves to deal with a matter that has significant implications for the entire campus. When the women accepted Beta's apology, they relinquished an opportunity for reform, and they put an end to an issue which should be examined by all men and women on campus, not just a small group of self-appointed arbiters of justice.
These women must come forward with the poem and actively participate in the investigation to ensure the College can uncover the truth about the incident and take appropriate action.
Many of the women in the group were reluctant to give details about the event or even name the fraternity involved. Their reluctance to speak demonstrates that women feel too intimidated to use their voices.
One example is the Sigma Delta sorority member who found the poem but silenced herself by requesting anonymity in The Dartmouth. Though she did nothing wrong, she felt the need to protect herself from the community by not using her name.
By not acting in their capacity as Sigma Delt sisters, many of the members of the group weakened a system which exists to support women at the College.
Perhaps the women were afraid of damaging the reputation of Beta or the Greek system as a whole, but if racism and utter lack of respect for women are an accepted part of the Greek system, then the system clearly needs to be scrutinized.
The woman who found the poem said the author "was really drunk and doesn't want this to reflect badly on Beta or the Greek system."
Students have become too accustomed to making such excuses instead of engaging in constructive discourse to facilitate change.
This is a key opportunity for Greek reform. Beta claims that this is an "isolated incident." The Beta incident is only one example of much larger problems of racism and sexism within the Greek system.
While free speech is an inalienable right, Beta is a College-recognized organization, and therefore is obligated to follow the College's principles of community.
Should Beta be found guilty of violating these principles, the College should derecognize the house.By continuing to grant recognition, the College silently condones racist and sexist behavior.
The College must conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident. Beta has also been in trouble in the past. In 1991 it was derecognized for kidnapping and torturing a member of another fraternity, and last year it was put on probation for hazing.
Clearly, further examination of this incident and campus-wide general discussions of racism and sexism are necessary. Unless the women come forward with the poem, this opportunity for change will be wasted.
