From the hallowed hills of Hanover, news has spread its way across the country that once again some Dartmouth students have declared themselves culturally superior to others. Those of us who have lived this struggle at Dartmouth and have since moved on, hung our heads sadly at the recent infantile displays of bigotry and hatred. Yet, especially for those of us who were at Dartmouth in the incendiary days of May 1992, these recent events give us cause for hope and reflection.
Minority students, past and present, have long understood that Dartmouth College represents a great opportunity, steeped with tradition and the institutional problems that come with it. Dartmouth was the second college in the nation to admit an African-American, Edward Mitchell, in the early 1800's. It also has a higher proportion of minority administrators than any of its peer institutions. Despite these achievements and the firm commitment of the Dartmouth administration, some students have felt it necessary to continue to carry on the tradition of Dartmouth's less than idyllic past. Their displays of intolerance to some members of the Dartmouth community should hurt us all.
Bigotry and prejudice are as old as Dartmouth itself. But so is the Dartmouth tradition of standing up and fighting against it. These endeavors to change the hearts and minds of the College community have always been won, most effectively, when individuals representing different backgrounds came together in a common purpose. The new coalition group, Colors, is an admirable and unique effort that should be celebrated by every student striving for a better and more inclusive Dartmouth.
Ironically enough, it was inter-ethnic infighting that caused the unraveling of Dartmouth's first multi-racial coalition, E.N.O.U.G.H. This group, formed in response to the Rodney King verdict in May 1992, helped to plan a series of campus events to raise awareness of racial justice issues. But the coalition unraveled when ethnic groups divided over whether the rioting in Los Angeles was "justified." Further, members of the administration, who were firmly committed to eradicating hatred and promoting justice, were maligned and harshly questioned by many students. From May of 1992 until now, there has been a uniform and largely unacknowledged rift between Asian-American student organizations, such as the Dartmouth Asian Organization and KASA., and other groups such as the African-American Society and Native Americans at Dartmouth. From 1992 until now, the administration has reached out to various communities at Dartmouth in hopes that lasting coalitions could be formed. These efforts had not fully paid off until now.
The beauty of the recent events is that the administration and campus groups agree that elimination of hateful, incendiary acts on campus is a must for Dartmouth to remain an institution of moral fiber and truly higher learning. The Dean of the College and Dean of Residential Life have spoken loudly and clearly about the need to elevate the standards of decency, respect, and tolerance. Minority student groups now recognize that the common struggle for acceptance and dignity truly does span ethnic lines. And, most importantly, the Dartmouth community can finally see the fruition of its long and difficult journey toward a true community of students.
Some words to those in the struggle: Despite the attempts of a few students to make your Dartmouth experience an unpleasant one, you have shown us that there is a better way to make a better Dartmouth. Good luck.
