I agree with the Trustees. What they have actually stated in writing is not a threat, if that is what they really mean. However, they have an agenda, one which is not written down, one which strikes at the core of Dartmouth's social organization and sense of community.
The first of the dreaded "five points" is that we should have greater choice in residential space and improved residential space. I agree with that. Renovate the Choates, make the River more attractive, build a new dorm, and put Dash laundry all over campus. Sounds fabulous. No problems.
The second point says we should have additional social spaces controlled by students. Awesome. Build me a building. I'll fill it with "social options." Great idea, I wholeheartedly agree.
The third point thinks the "system should be substantially coeducational" and give us more opportunities for all students to interact. This one is one of my favorites, because we've already done part of it! About 25 years ago, we took the first step by admitting women. Now, I think the college is 48% female (if not it's very close to that number). You can't get much more "substantially coeducational" than that. Great, right? That's done. As for improving interaction among students, let's get to work. We can put on events that appeal to a mass audience. We can implement Freshman Council President Josh Warren's idea to create random groups of 12 to 15 freshman who, during orientation week, will meet with an upperclassmen and talk about campus issues. After that week, the students will meet every once in a while, giving us a chance to meet another diverse group of students, not unlike our Trippee groups. Ideas like these are fabulous! I'm psyched!
The fourth Trustee point is that the number of students living off campus should be reduced. Absolutely. As a freshman who wants to live on campus all four years, but has a fear of not getting housing next year due to the low priority ratings for sophomores, I'm in total agreement. As I have previously stated, build a new dorm. I, for one, would be overjoyed.
The fifth point says the "abuse and unsafe use of alcohol should be eliminated." Who can argue with that? No one should abuse alcohol. It can be very dangerous. Educate people, crack down on underage drinking, give all students in Butterfield a round of applause. Sounds like a wonderful idea.
Now, where in all of this are the Greek houses mentioned? Nowhere. And yet President Wright, Mr. Bosworth, Dean Nelson, and everyone else you talk to have no problems saying that the Greek system will be radically changed. Why?
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the above five principles can be achieved at Dartmouth without substantially changing the Greek system. I would love to help in this endeavor. I would dedicate my four years at Dartmouth to helping the Trustees achieve these worthy goals if they would not attempt to provoke me by threatening the social fabric of Dartmouth at every turn. Even though they have personally hurt me by making me feel as though what I would have had to say on this subject was so unimportant that they needn't even ask for an opinion, I am willing to forgive and forget. The ideals they are fighting for are too important to let my feelings of hurt and betrayal stand in the way.
Please, Dartmouth means more to me than anything else except for God and my family. I am entirely serious. Will you revoke your threats to undermine worthy institutions, and let me be your ally instead of your enemy? It would make me supremely happy. If I could help to improve what is already the best college on this earth, that would be an achievement. I'm brimming with energy and ideas.
Please, let me help.
