To the Editor:
The anonymous group that dumped manure on the lawns of Beta and Alpha Chi intended to spark a discussion. Well, let the discussion begin here with an honest and outright condemnation of their actions. I believe strongly that the Dartmouth community is far from perfect, especially when it comes to matters of tolerance. Comments are made, looks are given ... the signs are everywhere that we need to change. I, like many others, have also dedicated myself to doing everything in my power to help facilitate the changes necessary to improve the community.
The action of dumping manure on the lawns negates many of the positive steps that have been taken recently to improve race and gender relations on this campus. It has pitted hateful act against hateful act. If we are intending to build a stronger community, everyone must be included in the building process. Do you really think Beta and Alpha Chi members will be motivated to partake in community discussions about hate when people anonymously dump manure on their lawn? Is that not just another form of hate?
The intended purpose of the dumping was to get Beta to release their infamous "poem" and to get Alpha Chi to release their pledge script. So make the demands, take action to get the fraternities to admit their failings. Unfortunately, I never heard of the Alpha Chi pledge script controversy, and I certainly never heard of the community doing anymore than asking for the poem to be released. Have we forgotten about the great movements for equality that took place just a generation ago? If we want to get Beta and Alpha Chi to release information, why don't we take action that does not mirror their own alleged hate. Why not protest and picket in front of all parties and social gathering at the houses and encourage students to walk away from the houses? Why not write letter to alumni of the houses asking them to pressure the current members? Why not hold a protest in front of each of the houses, like the one held in front of Parkhurst? WHY??? Because that may actually require time, energy, work, and a real commitment to helping Dartmouth in the long run. Dumping manure on someone's lawn is easy and gets you on the cover of The D.
One issue not brought up as much as it should be is how to deal with the people who are more than happy with the way things are at Dartmouth. Are we to include everyone in our "New Community" or just those who want to be included? Will we castigate those who disagree with us? Will we throw manure on the lawns of people who don't pay attention to us? You cannot expect to see major change in the community only two weeks after a protest. The students of the College dropped the ball recently: We did not continue what we started. We did not take the actions necessary to enhance our momentum in building a happier and safer place to live. Because of this, a few radical students took it upon themselves to do something stupid. I hope that this does not set the community-building project back even further. You cannot combat hate with hate. Succumbing to the level of your opposition only makes you look bad. It is time to start fighting for change in a positive way that will benefit all students.
