Homecoming

What would life be without a little bit of hypocrisy? The school has officially cracked down on all hazing, in their words, "anything that could possibly cause embarrassment". Wait? Are presentations in class hazing? I’m confused. Anyhow, on the day of homecoming, all upperclassmen waited in anticipation to see how the bonfire would be handled. Traditionally there is a giant fire, lots of freshmen running around it and lots of upperclassmen yelling at them to run faster or just watching the fire. I almost expected the college to tell all students to run the bonfire, but apparently tradition trumps hazing policy.

So, the freshmen rolled in, stood around the fire and the president of the college welcomed them to the college with a speech that sounded awfully like the introduction to the hunger games.In a whispery voice, President Folt started “What a beautiful night it is tonight.” – creepy, right? She went on to finish off the welcoming with “After this tradition, you will be a true part of Dartmouth.” Hmm.

I’m not trying to say that the Bonfire is or isn’t hazing. I’m just saying that maybe the college should better define hazing, or better yet just be straight shooters with the problem and put the words "Greek Life" in the policy. Or is the DOC in trouble for making  students sleep outside?