Although the Trustee steering committee has an open-door policy for students to present ideas and opinions, the door remains firmly closed on the disclosure of any of those proceedings. Since the creation of the committee, its policy has been one of confidentiality, and students' criticisms of this policy are fair.
Trustees and committee co-Chairs Peter Fahey '68 and Susan Dentzer '77 said the vow of silence is in effect because publicity prevents people with unpopular ideas or stances from making suggestions. Also, the committee says it fears that the devil's advocate role which members often play would be misinterpreted by students. However, Dartmouth students are smart enough to differentiate ultimate decisions from brainstorming. Students understand that the proposed ideas will not necessarily manifest themselves into final changes.
The secrecy does not fulfill its purpose. Instead of encouraging students to come forward with their opinions, most are alienated by the process. Many students feel that expressing their opinions will not make a difference. Because students do not know who was present or what was said at committee meetings, students cannot endorse or condemn presented ideas. More students would respond to the Initiative if the committee would allow its proceedings to enter public discourse.
The steering committee told students that it wants feedback on its ideas. For now, however, the array of alternatives that could be debated and discussed remains out of students' reaches, locked behind closed doors. No one knows whether community members who meet with the Trustees are giving them an accurate or skewed view of Dartmouth. Students should have the opportunity to validate the presented opinions.
With 1,000 students on campus this term -- the majority of whom will not be around during part of next year -- the committee should do more to engage summer residents in conversation, since the Class of 2001 will likely be the first to experience Initiative changes.
In addition, steering committee members should be allowed to voice their opinions to the public. Opinions have more weight when students and faculty present them publicly, and hearing suggestions would provide students wih an opportunity to see what changes are realized.
The suddenness of the initial announcement stunned the College. The committee should not expect a gentle reaction if a similar announcement is sprung on students in November. The committee should open its doors now, so that meaningful discourse can begin to take place on how to positively improve the entire sphere of student life.
Robinson Hall is a series of columns representing the opinions of the summer editorial staff. The columns do not necessarily represent the official views of The Dartmouth.
