To the Wesleyan administration:
Over the last few weeks, I have been reading about the disturbing trend the Wesleyan administration has taken to eliminate the “edge” many at the campus hold so dear. First it was the banning of chalking, which during my day served as the prime method for groups to get their message across. From gay rights to frat parties, one at Wes only had to “look down” on their way to class to have their status quo challenged. I am at a university now in upstate NY that charges student groups $25 per poster illegally fixed on banned surfaces. It creates a sterile environment where students have no forum to challenge the ideals taken with them from suburbia to college. This is what made Wesleyan so amazing to me and to hundreds, if not thousands of other young people over the last few decades. Please rethink this decision.
I am frankly appalled and saddened that the generations of Wesleyan history, creative thought, community, and activism were painted over in the Wesleyan tunnels during Fall break of 2006. What an incredible loss. I am sure I am not alone when I say that some of my fondest memories of Wes involve sneaking down below the tunnels with a flashlight to read about the struggles and issues facing past generations. I understand why students are angry. Imagine if someone came into where you lived and overnight stripped away an aspect of your home that you value and hold dear. White plain walls speak nothing of the incredible intellectual diversity living in the small riot-proof halls above these Butterfield dorms. Let the students repaint their chapter on the walls of the tunnels and cover them up with their view of the difficult issues facing their generation.
Leave a Reply