A Middleburyian's Ad Board Plea

Faith in a constitutional democracy becomes imperiled when the interests of an established elite marginalize the representation of popular opinion. Likewise, institutional structures representing the interests of a select community lose their legitimacy when they fail to include at least nominal community participation. While institutions are well within their right to direct policy according to administrative prerogatives alone, they are, in effect, compromising a genuine perspective of the constituency they stand to represent for the perpetuation of elitist pretense.

Thus far you probably feel that this article has nothing to do with you, and that institutional demagoguery is a problem of the past, but let me explain. I was recently informed that Harvard's disciplinary body has no student representation. Here at Middlebury, as at most colleges, we have students involved in the disciplinary process. Come to think of it, even my high school had student representation! The sad irony is that the news of Harvard's archaic rules did not surprise me. Harvard's stuffy, pretentious image is not completely unfounded. For years, I have heard horror stories from friends complaining about faculty-controlled administrative committees that just don't understand student concerns.

When will Harvard exchange its haughty pretense and Pickwickian elitism for a genuine concern for the student community it represents? I am happy at Middlebury, an institution that treats me with respect. Harvard should get a clue. --Charles Snow