To the Editor,
Early Sunday morning, we committed an act deeply offensive to the brothers of Alpha Chi Alpha, the family of David Wolfson '92, the Dartmouth Community, and uncountable others.
At around four that morning, our judgement clouded by alcohol and our sight impaired by darkness, we cut down a small tree, unaware of its emotional significance. When Alpha Chi Alpha informed the CFSC of the tree's gravity the next morning, we immediately confessed, apologized and offered to help re-consecrate a new memorial.
The pain we have caused is irreparable; we can only express our sincerest remorse and try to properly honor the disrespected memory of David Wolfson '92. We want to begin by apologizing to David's family. Our actions have undoubtedly rehashed painful memories and demonstrated the utmost disregard to this man's life and tragic death. Alpha Chi's living tribute to its fallen brother had great meaning to its past and present members, and we profoundly apologize to them for our thoughtless severance of this emotional tie.
David Wolfson was not only an Alpha Chi brother but a Dartmouth student as well. We hope the community's members can accept our apology for their loss. Our destruction of property and infliction of emotional wounds betrayed the principle of community at Dartmouth. We can only assure you that our apologies are sincere, and that no malicious intent guided our actions.
Our attempt to redress our wrongs begins with the re-consecration of this man's memorial. We will promptly aid in whatever way possible in the replanting ceremony. We hope these measures will help the family, friends, brothers, and community continue to honor David's life.
This hurtful deed has forced us to re-examine our lives; we have learned a lot. Seemingly inoffensive acts can result in devastating harm. Our cutting down a tree seemed like a harmless prank at the time, but the painful consequences have proven otherwise. In kindergarten, we learned about self-control and thinking before we act; perhaps we can finally abide by such simple precepts after this incident.
We have not only looked deep within ourselves, but we have seriously examined the surroundings that affect us. There is nothing inherent to the Greek system that requires an association with destruction and theft of fellow classmates' property. If we have learned anything, it is that no prank is harmless -- our fellow Greek members have emotional ties to what we steal and destroy. If the Greek system is to survive as a pillar of the Dartmouth community, its members must respect those ties. We hope others will not have to learn these lessons first hand, as we did.
