Covert or overt attempts to attack this culture, whether through staffing witch-hunts, funding priorities or political tactics, are deplorable, particularly on the part of those who deem themselves educators. Insulting students and staff to their colleagues in private, presenting different faces to many audiences and excluding those who know the most about service from the essential decisions disrespects the very ideals of service. The Assistant Dean should recognize the strengths of this culture, celebrate them and partake in possibilities they afford--or she should leave.
As officers of PBHA, we have tried over the past year to work more closely with the Assistant Dean than have any other students. The arguments here are not groundless ad hominem attacks, but are based on thorough reflection after many concrete experiences, ranging from program staff management to space planning, fundraising to personnel issues. We do not mean to insult, but a contrived and dishonest congeniality serves no one, least of all the community.
A lengthy war of attrition over minor details between PBHA and the College, masked by a public appearance of calm, does not benefit either PBHA or non-PBHA programs and is a debilitating drain on everyone's resources.
We urge the College to reconsider the wisdom of its current policies regarding public service. Will the identities of the major student organizations be preserved? Are resource decisions being made fairly?
We further encourage Judith Kidd to re-examine the ethics and the feasibility of the role she is playing. Can she play a constructive role in College public service? Are her ideals consistent with her actions?
As soon-to-be alumni/ae, we will continue to protect vigilantly the culture of PBHA as it has developed over the past 100 years. We urge the College administration to meet the new and capable leadership of PBHA in an honest, principled, and frank fashion. Public service cannot endure yet another year of haggling over administrative detail. Let us hope that the frustration of this past year can be channeled into positive growth.
PBHA culture is established and perpetuated on student-run retreats, during late nights in the shelter, and on the van home from after-school programs. --Andrew J. Ehrlich '96-'97, PBHA President 1996; Hahrie C. Han '97, PBHA Vice-President 1996; Daniel J. Adam '97, PBHA Publicity Coordinator; W. Steve Cheung '97, PBHA Vehicles Coordinator; Young W. Kim '97, PBHA Programming Chair 1996; Jennifer L. Lipkowitz '97, PBHA Resource Coordinator; John C. Raezer '97, PBHA Fundraiser; Diego E. Sanchez '97, PBHA Events Coordinator 1996