Today was supposed to be a day for the College's democratic process to shine. Hundreds of students, made aware of the changes proposed to the Honor Code by a vigorous debate, would decide for themselves whether or not they desired those amendments. It has not been. Instead, the referendum has proved a naked power grab by an unaccountable body, as voting has been rife with "editing" closures and with the obscuring of unpopular referendum's aye/nay vote choice.
This brings with it memories of other recent naked power grabs: by Brussels in commanding Ireland voters look at the Lisbon Treaty a second time without alteration and by Hugo Chavez who just last week all but declared himself, by a "free" election, President for Life. Now, no one will lose his liberty from the Honor Code change, but the comparison is valid and concerning. Our Honor Code, which the College once considered sacred, a totem of our committment to liberal education, will have been amended not by consent of the students, but by a cabal of impetuous "student leaders." I would warn those who hope that today's result is upheld that Right and Justice will have their day; and our honor will be restored. To them, FP/YC gives a straight red.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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