I received an e-mail last Wednesday proposing a "serious demonstration" outside Parkhurst Hall with the intention of "showing support for the continuation and freedom of the Greek system." Instantly, the image of a Wednesday-night-rally flashed through my mind. Needless to say, it resembled the opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan." I replied to the recipients on a whim and in a half jovial tone, suggesting that students "keep their pants on" for the time being and mentioning some aspects of the Trustee's decision that I thought were particluarly encouraging, namely the examination of the D-Plan and the proposed changes to the residential system. I also touched upon the possible positive effect of banning taps. Admittedly, I should have read the list of recipients and seriously considered the possible ramifications of replying to the blitz ...
So, there I sat, under siege, being called everything from "#@%*ing blind" to "a joke" to someone who "doesn't care about Dartmouth" and beyond. I answered the barrage of messages with a sigh, vaguely wondering why I had opened my mouth in the first place. Then, it arrived (ding, ding!), the blitz I have been waiting for, the one that pegged me as "anti-Greek."
According to my antagonist's logic, I must be "anti-Greek," since I support the elimination of taps and bars in CFS houses. In fact, this also must mean that I "hate Dartmouth."
I apologize for complicating this conclusion, but the Student Life Initiative is not that simple. I do love this College. I do love my house, which has led me to an important realization -- I have a conflict of interests. It is truly difficult to be part of a Greek house, specifically a sorority, more specifically a national sorority (hence, no taps within its physical plant). I look at my own house and see a strong, loving bond of sisterhood that is in no way dependent upon the availability of common source alcohol in the basement. I am appalled by the implication that the two go hand in hand. And, admittedly, I do have a problem rallying behind individuals or organizations which are vehemently opposed to achieving a standard that my house, and several others, already uphold. True brotherhood or sisterhood should in no way be predicated upon the ability to thunderdome at any given moment.
Honestly, I don't know if eliminating taps will decrease the abuse of alcohol on campus. But I can say that in every alcohol study, eliminating common sources is an assured method of decreasing net consumption. Until you stay awake all night checking breathing to make sure someone hasn't drank themselves to death, until you date someone with a substance abuse problem easily traceable to pledge term, until you watch a close friend get Parkhursted because drinking somehow became more important than classwork, until you receive your own alcohol policy violation, you may have no desire to decrease net consumption. You may not yet wish to challenge the status quo. I, however -- and I'd wager that there are others like me -- am searching desperately for a catalyst, an initiating point from which true change will progress.
When you signed your name on Karl Furstenberg's dotted line, accepting your invitation to attend Dartmouth College, you entered a private institution and everything that implies. While it provides many protections (academic, legal, etc.), it does, in reality, entail a loss of some autonomy. Sadly, this institution is not a democracy. And the dictatorship to which we all signed our names "promised" imminent change. This change, which I remind you that I have been waiting for, is finally upon us, and as a "Greek," I am required to blindly disagree with all of it?
There are actual, live students on this campus (I know, I've talked to them) who would like to see change in residential and, yes, even social life. These students are not seeking a complete annihilation of their social options, but they do agree with the general premise of positive progress. I am one of these students, and I should be able to stand up for the principle of change (certainly one such as the elimination of taps) without being targeted as someone who "does not love Dartmouth."
Ultimately, I believe we are all attempting to reach the same ends -- the day when students' desires become policy. I have dreamt of this day. However, our institution is just not there yet. It is a sad reality. But I am thrilled to see so many students finally joining the fight to increase our institutional voice and the power of student choice. I can't wait for our voices to be heard; let's not let them be drowned out by squabbles amongst individuals with inherently common goals.
