I was disappointed to read of the Harvard-Radcliffe Republican Club's intention to drop "Radcliffe" from its title ("GOP Club May Strike 'Radcliffe' From Name, news story, Oct. 27, 1994). The article indicated that the change, according to some students, is intended to slight Radcliffe, or women undergraduates' role in the Club.
I believe the action is ill-advised. Radcliffe women have played significant roles in the Club's leadership--not the least of whom was my roommate, Patrice Kenney Clifford '79, who once served as President. The Radcliffe College Alumnae Association has included prominent women Republicans in its programs, including The Honorable Lynn Martin, who keynoted our October 29, 1994 Alumnae Council, and The Honorable Elizabeth Dole, who received the Radcliffe Medal in June 1993.
The Republican Club's effort might, unfortunately, be interpreted as an effort to excluse women, and for that reason it should be opposed. Honey Jacobs Skinner '78
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An Open Letter to the House Masters
