To instigate discussion about the recent Trustee announcement is to invite the potential for a battle of views, beliefs and goals. Such a discussion all too often causes people to take a side and defend all aspects of that respective viewpoint. Once individuals choose a "side" they frequently take a personal interest and investment into what they see the Trustees doing, saying and somehow implying. One problem with this internalized reaction to a broad, vague pronouncement is that it becomes too easy to lose sight of what is truly at stake by focusing on personal experience.
I believe no one denies the value of the positive experiences that have been fostered by the current social system (I have surely had my share of great times at frats and sororities), but what we, as a student body, must now tackle is the most important issue: where do we go from here and how do we maintain what, in essence, it is about the system we're apparently so afraid of losing?
Because the Trustees and now the faculty are not backing down on the five principles, the most efficient way to influence future policy on these issues is by working within the system. The Trustees have already proven that they feel comfortable exercising their right to make decisions without consent of the students, so we must work within the parameters of our power as students: the strength of creative thought, organization, mobilization and active participation.
I have yet to find or talk to a student who supports the method by which the Trustees announced their principles. For now, though, we need to come to terms with the fact that no, we were not included in the discussion leading up to the five principles, but yes, we do have an opportunity to take an active role from this point forward. While confusion arose regarding Wright's interview with The Dartmouth and whether or not fraternities and sororities are going to be shut down, no trustee has specifically said that the principles outline the means to obliterate of the Greek system. No trustee has cried out for a dry campus. No trustee has called for the elimination of single-sex housing options or denied the significance of fostering single sex communities. What has been requested is that the current students of Dartmouth put their thoughts together and see what they can come up with. All that the Trustees require for true consideration is that the policy proposals fall in line wi
th the principles set forth.
The principles are vague, therefore a great deal of flexibility and leeway exist in which students can submit ideas (if anyone needs some ideas, read Shauna Brown and Kerry Bystrom's piece from the Feb. 19 issue of The Dartmouth).
I feel as though many discussions and op-ed pieces alike have become interactive confrontations between those who support the decision and those who do not. We must soon realize that it does not so much matter who agrees and who disagrees, but rather who -- the students or the administration -- can come up with a plan that may end up being better than what we now have. The alternative to not creating our own plan is to resign to adhere to the default plan that the Trustees will implement if need be. In such a case, many people's fears of the social future of Dartmouth may come true, for no one knows the social life of Dartmouth better than its own students.
Students need to mobilize, make the move toward constructivism and put aside the personal attack or victimization they may feel. The heated debates regarding logistics should continue throughout Food Court, Collis, the gym, dorm rooms and frat basements. The informal exchange of ideas and information is always a good idea, but not at the expense of constructive efforts to meet the challenge set forth by the Trustees.
These discussions should serve as supplements to the greater conversation that needs to start taking place on this campus: that of what will happen when spring term ends and we have no more time to fuss. If we do not come up with a plan by the end of spring term, the Trustees will once again use the opportunity to tell us what's going to happen at our school. This missed opportunity would be a greater tragedy than whether or not the Trustees consulted the student body when creating the five principles. It would mean a new Dartmouth created for your use and brought to you by the Trustees.
