To the Editor:
Eric Newton '97 wrote a sorely needed and well-written response to Miranda Johnson '97's editorial about affinity housing at Dartmouth ["Dispelling Notions of Segregation ", April 16, 1996]. However, I would like to correct an error in Newton's letter. Newton wrote "I do believe that Chi Heorot would have the same objection since only seven out of 25 house members play hockey." This statement should have read, "...only seven out of 25 members currently living in the house play hockey." Chi Heorot, in fact, has significantly more than 25 members, representing Dartmouth not only on the ice, but also on the river, football field, squash courts, golf course, track, and the ski slopes. This list only begins to describe the diversity of our brotherhood's involvement on campus.
Johnson quite rightly refutes the notion that the members of affinity organizations segregate themselves. She assures us that she has many friends who are members of affinity organizations, "and yet, [she still sees] them on a regular basis, [is] in classes with them, [is] involved in various campus organizations with them, and yes, even eat[s] with them." Johnson is right to attempt to dispel misconceived notions about affinity housing; however, she seems to have no qualms about proliferating harmful stereotypes of other campus groups.
At the end of her article, she implies that Greek organizations, especially fraternities, are the real "self-segregators" on this campus. We, as well as every other CFS organization on campus, meet all of Johnson's criteria for a non-" self-segregated" group. For I assure you, the Brothers of Chi Heorot see other people on a regular basis, take classes with other people, involve themselves with various campus organizations (not just the hockey team), and yes, even eat with other people. And in case Johnson has forgotten, I personally see her on a regular basis, have taken classes with her, have been involved in at least one campus organization with her, and, yes, have even eaten with her.
