To the Editor:
As I watch this spring's Alumni Association election from the sidelines, I can't help but observe that it is a contest between two political parties: a pro-College slate led by John Mathias '69 dedicated to ending the litigation launched by the current association's executive committee against Dartmouth and a pro-lawsuit petition slate led by Michael Murphy '61. The petition candidates,supported by the Hanover Institute (an anti-administration political action committee whose directors include petition candidate Frank Gado '58) have expanded the alarmist rhetoric of trustee elections into association contests.
What does this petition group of alumni really want? According to petition-elected Trustee Todd Zywicki '88, they are waging a war to take back the academy from the liberal left. Zywicki warns that "it's going to be a multigenerational battle; it's going to take a lot of resources, and a lot of struggle. And I think what you have to understand is that those who control the university today, they don't believe in God and they don't believe in country."
Dartmouth's application numbers are up. The range of applicants is the most diverse in history -- diverse not only in background and heritage, but in their ideas, opinions and political ideals. The College continues to head in a positive direction in terms of student accomplishments. Liberal left? Conservative right? What I see is that the College we love is under fire with unfounded accusations abounding and lawsuits costing time, money and valuable resources.
To the alumni of Dartmouth College -- when you receive your ballot for this year's Alumni Association election, be sure to vote. Encourage your classmates to do the same.
Merle Adelman '80
Chelmsford, MA
