<p>So you are saying that this drastic measure is the way to prevent traditional alumni from withholding donations to Dartmouth? </p>
<p>As I read it, certain alumni feel they need to take this kind of stand on principal. Would you expect the administration to do less - to be willing to be bought by any group?</p>
<p>I did not know it was a foregone conclusion that there would be a substantial hit in giving. Seems to me a lawsuit IS a hit, in time, energy, reputation as well as financial resources. </p>
<p>I wonder if those most unhappy clamor most loudly and if there is not a larger contingent of alumni than you suppose who would not withhold donations, do perhaps support the administration, or even if not, do not support this response. </p>
<p>I hope those who seem so distraught over the direction of a school they love, would not chose to cause it further harm in such a petty way. Surely they could direct their giving to Dartmouth toward something about it they love and can freely support - I think, although I do not know, that there are ways to allocate a gift to various programs - that is certainly the case for parents at any rate. </p>
<p>I really do applaud genuine alumni concern for working with the administration to address issues such as over-subscription of popular classes - I imagine its a moving target, trying to ascertain trends and degrees of trends.</p>
<p>I also really value the Dartmouth experience as it is today, for my student attending,today. Opportunities have been amazing. Students remain friendly and diverse. I have no objection to an administration which calls for mutual respect - it should accompany free speech. I have no objection to an administration which increasingly encourages students to feel that along with the priviledge of a Dartmouth education comes responsibility to the world community. I have no objection to an administration struggling to ensure the saftey and health of students, even if it means taking stands which seem oppressive to the fraternity system. This is the kind of school which is attractive to many of the today’s brightest students - for Dartmouth to survive as a top notch institution, it needs to attract these bright students. </p>
<p>I think I love Dartmouth, as a parent, almost as much as you do. I see it as a wonderful, positive place - right here and now.</p>