To the Editor:
As we speak, Dartmouth Dining Services is discussing changing the menu at Collis. Whether or not one is satisfied with Collis' current offerings, the nature of the potential change begs investigation and response. Currently, Collis is a vegetarian eating establishment. With the exception of the packaged sandwiches and an occasional turkey soup, all the food there is prepared without meat or poultry. For those who do not eat meat or poultry, Collis offers a break from the standard non-meat fare. It can be expensive, but some students appreciate the variety. Collis, however, is not turning a profit, much less breaking even. In order to remedy this situation, DDS is considering introducing chicken into the Collis menu.
This decision would be a dreadful one. There are a number of reasons not to switch Collis from being vegetarian. For observant Jewish and Muslim students, as well as vegetarians, dining options are already limited. Those adhering to Halal and Kashrut (Muslim and Jewish dietary law, respectively) are forbidden from eating much of DDS fare -- particularly meat and chicken products. Collis is just about the only place many of these students can find serious variety. Can we, in good conscience, make adhering to one's religion harder at Dartmouth? Or should we simply allow Dartmouth to become an uncomfortable place for those who perhaps do not represent the majority?
There is another reason to insist on Collis' remaining vegetarian. In adding chicken, DDS is homogenizing the dining halls. As it does so, all of our menu options are simply being replaced with venue options. If before we could have chicken here or lasagna there, soon we will chose between chicken here or chicken there.
Variety of food and respect for the rights of certain Dartmouth students are being sacrificed in the name of the bottom line. Dining Services ought to be here to facilitate living and learning -- not to make a profit. We should be willing to compromise a little in order to make eating more amenable to all at Dartmouth.
Should Collis go non-vegetarian, anyone seeking variety in dining might as well put all his/her DBA money on a Green Card and head into Hanover. Ultimately, DDS will only drive students away. Food is important to everyone, not just those who eat chicken at every meal. Dartmouth should respect everyone's desire for a healthy, varied and even interesting diet. In doing so, Collis should remain vegetarian. If changing the menu is necessary, do so without sacrificing Collis' vegetarian status.
