Head Librarian, Ann Thornton, made her decision today that
Orgo Night has no value and that the sanctity of Butler 209 cannot tolerate the
presence of the Band for a half hour twice per year. Why? No
reason. It's just the way she feels. Forty years of tradition be
damned. It's her library, and she does not want the band to be
there. Other stress reducers, including bringing in cookies, and puppies
and frisbees, are permitted.
Why? Because Ann Thornton says
so.
What are the consequences?
A large number of otherwise engaged and active alumni are now angry,
disappointed, and will make no donations to the University. Reunion classes in May will spend their time
talking about Orgo Night and how the University has killed off the tradition
for no reason and has taken away one more connection we had to Columbia.
Students will understand that the University is all about
stress and the no-fun mentality of this administration.
It is sad. Despite the
outcry, the University administration, and particularly President Bollinger and
Dean Valentini, have given Ms. Thornton permission to run roughshod over
students, alumni, and University Tradition.
The administration should expect that this issue will
continue to be a source of discussion among alumni and will be a black mark on
Columbia for years to come.
And for what? We
really don’t know. And that is, indeed,
sad.
No comments:
Post a Comment