Letters
December 26, 2003
To Dean Weinberg and the Administration of Colgate University:
I regret to inform you, that I and several alumni have withdrawn support and allegiance to our alma mater, Colgate University. Due to its atrocious handling of the fraternity system for the last 20 years and the recent events surrounding Kappa Delta Rho, it appears that the administration of the University has chosen a pathway of ignorance and self-righteousness that borders on contempt for its students and alumni.
The recent withdrawal of recognition of KDR is laughable.
The administration’s
behavior has set that precedent well before issuing this declaration.
In 1988, with the death of two fraternity brothers (John Flynn ’90
secondary to Pan Am 103 and Chris Oberhiem ’90 due to a MVA) in
just under one month, the administration provided no support to the fraternity
house, the families or students who knew and loved these individuals.
I am sure that the services offered would have been quite different if
these same circumstances occurred in one of the other residences on campus.
A system was established by the administration, with the backing of factions aligned against the fraternity system, which made it impossible for the Greek system to thrive and as we are seeing now-fail! Policies were established, rights of individuals were encroached, and the concept of fraternity life trampled by people who have no idea of what a fraternity is and the meaning of brotherhood.
I do not condone or support hazing and feel that the individuals who perpetrated these acts should be disciplined. It is not part of fraternity life, nor a part of being a brother. However, to sacrifice 100 years of association between Colgate University and KDR on account of one class would appear to me to be due to ulterior motives. Clearly the actions of the University support this premise. I am sure that several factions of the campus which have driven these reforms are “skipping with glee” around Taylor Lake right now.
Shame on you and all that support the destruction of an integral part of college life at Colgate. Fraternity life allowed, for many of us that came from limited means, access to a world that your institution failed to provide for us. The belief in love, honor, friendship and commitment NEVER go out of style. They have lived in that house for 100 years. Congratulations on their destruction. You should be very proud.
With a Heavy Heart,
Rufus Collea