I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the recent commotions involving the “Freedom Budget,” and you probably don’t want to hear anymore. And in writing this piece, I know that I am giving the demonstrators even more attention. Yet I believe that it’s important that we talk about these issues — both the ones brought up by the protests, like racism and classism at Dartmouth, and the manner of protest itself. After all, I also want a Dartmouth where everyone feels equal and included, but this Dartmouth will not come from the demonstrators’ methods. Alienating the rest of the student body is an unwise strategy. Whether or not the protesters relate to the rest of campus, the support of the student body is essential.
I would say this small group of students has been the loudest, most vocal group I have seen protest in my time at Dartmouth. I want to point out, however, that just because this small group is making a scene does not mean that it represents the majority of students. Despite being advertised across campus, last Wednesday’s protest in support of the demonstrators failed to generate a crowd larger than 100.
You know why there was such poor turnout? Because of their unreasonable demands and the way in which they presented them. A couple of the “demands” are decent points, and good arguments could be made for them, especially the ones regarding sexual assault. Others, however, are completely unfeasible. The demonstrators have been explicit that they do not intend to speak for the entire student body. But beyond this, the protesters seem to have little interest in appealing to the student body, either through less aggressive tactics or more practical proposals. These students may not identify with the rest of the student body, but having greater support would increase the likelihood of achieving real reform.
Though the students behind the “Freedom Budget” threatened action if Hanlon did not reply, he did not have to even acknowledge their demands. Yet he did. He even replied before the deadline and within the time frame that had been demanded of him, but because his response was not a point-by-point analysis and came right before spring break, the “Freedom Budget” supporters were dissatisfied enough to take action anyway. There is a time and place for everything, and the time and place for successful reform is not at night in Hanlon’s office. Working toward a common solution is key. The administration can make changes in response to the protesters, but they will need the help of the student body to make Dartmouth a more welcoming place, help that many students may no longer be interested in giving after this off-putting sit-in.
Yes, there are problems that must be addressed here at Dartmouth. Most students acknowledge that. There are problems everywhere. The Dartmouth reported that at a rally, Dondei Dean ’17 said that “this environment is not just unwelcoming, it is downright oppressive.” I, as a student and as an active member of this community, am disturbed that people feel this way, and I would like to help do what I can to fix or alleviate these issues. I may not have had the same experience as Dean, but everyone should be heard.
Like it or not, we are all one school, one community, and we are going to have to work together to make progress. Yet demanding things of Hanlon, interrupting other students and alleging that I can never relate as a white male is not going to make me want to help or sympathize with the cause at all. While they may have no interest in my support or the support of students like me, I may have been willing to give it under different circumstances. I’m sure others would have as well.
Though I strongly disagree with many of the proposal’s points, I understand their motivations. But by acting radically and irrationally, the sit-in participants turned many people away from their cause. Change in campus culture may come over time if a community works together, but it will not come by alienating large portions of the school.
