Final thoughts on Beta
By Nathan S. Empsall
Published on Friday, January 18, 2008
To the Editor:
I would like to add an unaffiliated perspective to the mix. The current controversy, like this summer's Theta Delta Chi–Kappa Kappa Gamma incident, reveals the widespread discrimination against Dartmouth women. Julia Schwartz '08 was correct when she said, "It's not an AZD issue; it's a campus issue." Even alumni politics mean nothing in the face of life-long lessons regarding sexual respect.
I do not understand how Richard Denton '08 can claim moving AZD a full mile away "will cause no change in gender social-dynamics." His further charge that AZD is using "uncontrollable sensationalism" is highly slanderous.
Beta's history is a side issue. The real issue is that due to the discriminatory policy of allowing only men to create local houses, there are twice as many fraternities as sororities that control the best real estate. The College has basically said that if women want social lives, they must be on men's terms.
If handled correctly, this crisis can become a turning point in the College's relationship with women. Replacing the Choates with sororities merits the formation of a study committee.
The College should increase its offer for the Beta property to match the price of the South Park Street house. If that fails, let Beta remain unrecognized. Place signs around the property declaring it a dangerous area and warn freshmen during orientation.