To the Editor:
Upon reading the newsletter published by Zeta Psi during the Summer of 2000, my reaction can only be described as horrified. I was so overcome by a barrage of emotions, ranging from fear, to sadness, to betrayal, that I could not at first contemplate the significance of the document. However, after a few days of initial depression and late nights of tears and discussion, I began to accept the reality of the newsletter and realize its greater implications.
The misogynistic and threatening undertones of the letter were both shocking and appalling. Primarily, I noticed the blatant attacks on specific women, including pictures and names. Defamatory statements of sexual activity were included in these attacks, only increasing the profundity of their affront to these women. Furthermore, as I looked closely at a section entitled "What if Zetes were women? Where would they be affiliated?" I began to understand that the brothers of Zeta Psi, in addition to slandering individuals, clearly have little respect for their female Greek peers.
Despite these atrocious offenses, I found the tagline in the bottom corner, stating: "Next week: [Brother X]'s patented date rape techniques!," by far the most alarming and inexcusable feature of the production. The promotion of violent sexual assault undermines the safety of every female at Dartmouth.
Over six months later, after brothers attested that the newsletter would no longer be published, it came to my attention that it was indeed still being written and distributed. Viewing the second document served only to prove the institutionalization of Zeta Psi's hatred of women. Under different leadership and with three times the number of active brothers, including a new '03 pledge class, the same horrifying activities were still taking place.
Many members of the Dartmouth community have friends, boyfriends, and acquaintances who are members of Zeta Psi. Even if these "friends" took no part in authorship of the newsletters, they did not speak against the practice. It is evident through the continued production of the documents that no current member of the house felt strongly enough to stand up and say: "This is wrong, and I refuse to be part of an organization that demeans people in this way."
The promotion and celebration of misogyny within the Dartmouth community, through hurtful speech or just as hurtful silence, deeply saddens and exhausts me. There is no excuse for the actions and attitudes of the membership of Zeta Psi. There is no excuse for the systematic degradation and disrespect of the women of Dartmouth. Thus, I truly believe that any house promoting such activities has no place within a Greek community aspiring to embody the values of inclusiveness, respect, and accountability.
The courage to act on behalf of these founding ideals of Greek life is not easily achieved. Viewing the contents of the two publications, I was afraid. Coming forward with the feelings and statements included in this letter, I am afraid. However, it is finally time for the women of Dartmouth to conquer such fears and exclaim, as loudly as possible, that this is not an acceptable way for men to treat their friends, girlfriends, and peers.
Before coming to Dartmouth, I had never felt of lesser worth than someone else solely on the basis of my gender. However, Zeta Psi has repeatedly succeeded in fostering this feeling within me. It breaks my heart to see so many men face the potential loss of their fraternity, but silence implies a tacit acceptance, and I am no longer willing to accept the idea that I am of lesser worth than anyone, simply because Zeta Psi says so.
Note: This letter was originally published anonymously in The Dartmouth, but Melissa Heaton '02 later decided to reveal her identity.
