The Historic Issue

The Historic Issue: Commemorating 142 Years of News

Volume CXLI

April 27, 2012

Edited by: Nicole Chi ’15 and Clara Yoon ’15 “Theta Xi...”: Sept 23, 1957; “Warne Hits...”: Apr 21, 1949; “Chi...”: Sept 23, 1976; Masthead: 1886; “Farewell...”: June 17, 1882

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A Historic Issue

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Last Editorial of 2011-2012 Departing President’s Parting Thoughts

The Student learns from the past, hopes for the future Looking back at an eventful semester of election scandals, heated ideological debates and passionate campus dialogue, The Student feels that it’s been an exciting, if controversial, year, that also brought with it much promise for the future for the newspaper on campus, even at a time when journalism is said to be a dying craft.

Increasing comments on the newspaper website, increased readership and wider circulation are some of the things that have heartened the newspaper staff this year: we’re happy not for our own egos, but for the culture of information and discussion that is hopefully being fostered on campus. We hope that the next year will feature a continuation of this trend: for it is only an involved and engaged campus that can really make the Amherst experience truly wonderful.

As a newspaper that strives to constantly evolve and improve, we’re learning many things as we go along. We have learned how to walk a fine balance between censorship and offense, as well as one between exposure and slander.

We’re constantly trying to bring the student body news as it happens; to this end, we’ve learned to use online features and breakingnews stories to supplement our

weekly publication. From live reporting on Snowpocalypse 2011 to breaking updates on the AAS election scandal and the “Think!” pamphlet, The Student pushes itself to use a mix of technology and tradition in order to be a dynamic and interesting part of the students’ lives. As for the student body, we thank you all for your letters, website comments, article contributions and feedback, and we hope that you will continue interacting with the publication in this fashion, and help us serve you better as a campus newspaper.

One caveat, though: we encourage commenters on the website to take of the anonymous mask and engage in truly meaningful and respectful dialogue with each other.

Working on this historical issue and looking at the years of Amherst history embedded in The Student as it has changed staff members, mastheads, attitudes, page numbers, layouts and cultures through the years allowed us to glimpse into the Amherst that once was. Peering back in time through The Student allowed us to realize that contributing to the newspaper is an active process of recording history— forming College history in the process and representing the current generation to all future Jeffs to come.

Romen Borsellino, the President of the Association of Amherst Student, contributed this piece.

You hold in your hands about 140 years of Amherst College history. This issue of The Student marks a partnership between the Amherst Association of Students and The Student to address an issue that has been on the minds of many throughout the year: a lack of tradition and knowledge about the history of the College. This issue, spearheaded by senator and former Editor-in-Chief of The Student, Nihal Shrinath ’12, signifies the beginning of a movement by the student body to reconnect with the past. We thought of no better way to end the year than allowing students to put this year in perspective. Personally, there has been no better way to spend one of my last weeks on this campus than hours of scrutinizing past issues of The Student, reading articles written anywhere from 1868 to 2010. In some ways, it has shown me that this college is surprisingly the same as it has always been. In other ways, it shows how much we’ve changed.

Over the past century and a half, The Student has consistently run articles about the loss of traditions on this campus, the exorbitant amounts of money we spend annually on the Olio and a serious lack of transparency by the student government − issues that still plague us today. In many ways, however, these articles demonstrate just how far we have come as a college. Sure, articles complaining about Val have always held a prominent place on the front page, but at some point, we began engaging ourselves in serious discussions about race, sex and class, each of which our student body ultimately took the right stand on, even when it put us out of sync with our peer institutions or society as a whole. This issue truly reminds me how proud I am to be a member of the college community.

On a more personal note, this week marks my last as President of the student body, and this project has allowed me to put things in perspective regarding what we have succeeded at this year, and what the AAS must work hard on to accomplish in the future. While we have experienced high highs and low lows, I end my term extremely proud of what we have accomplished this year and confident that the AAS is headed in the right direction, despite some of the struggles of the AAS over the past year.

There’s an old saying that no news is good news. I beg to differ. For years I have watched as the AAS remained an organization seldom discussed or given a second thought by the student body. Despite our nearly $1 million budget and ability to engage the administration on any topic of our choosing, the AAS has not been on the minds of students in the past few years in the way that it should have. This has happened for a number of reasons: For one, it speaks to a general apathy of the student body. Let’s be honest, if something doesn’t involve free pizza or shirts, it’s hard to engage anybody. That said, the need for the AAS to engage the students ultimately falls on our student government itself. Sometimes we have seen a lack of meaningful action by the AAS; a failure to act in ways that represent the student body. Other times, the hard work and commitment of the AAS was there, but we simply did a poor job of conveying our work to the student body, rendering much

of it meaningless.

This past year, I have felt a major shift towards more interest by the student body in our student government.

While some of this increased interest comes from a recognition of the good things that we have done, such as the work of our Social life task force, the implementation of a free later night snack at Val and the installation of an electric charging station to name a few of our projects, we have also come under fire for a number of different reasons − some criticisms merited, some not. This year, we were criticized for allocating an additional $10,000 to Spring Concert. While this was a decision that I, along with many other senators took flack for, the fact of the matter remains that we would not have had a spring concert (let alone Ludacris) if we had not taken such action. Despite the criticism we took, I can say with 100 percent certainty that I would do it over again if I had the chance.

In the fall, the AAS was under fire for its lack of engagement in diversity, an issue that many students felt the AAS had not done enough to address. This is an issue that we have long battled to address. As I found out by reading issues of The Student from the early 2000s, the AAS used to have special ‘diversity’ seats on the Senate that could only be held by members of the BSU, Pride Alliance and other affinity groups. While it may not have been the best idea, the question of diversity is something that the AAS has long thought about and will continue to work on in the coming semesters. This year, we started a diversity task force and took on a number of diversity-related projects, such as an event supporting Trayvon Martin.

Finally, the more recent talk about the AAS has concerned the recent e-board elections, which were thrown out after the results were leaked while polls were still open.

What followed was a barrage of criticisms of the AAS, the newspaper and the students involved in the election. We saw anonymous posts attacking people, and false allegations made publicly. But while many students saw this as a chance to be disillusioned with their student government, I contend that it reaffirmed the student government’s commitment to the student body.

Despite the misdeeds of several students, the AAS acted quickly and efficiently to rectify any wrongdoing.

Yes, it was a shame that it happened in the first place, but it proved that both the AAS and the student body were not as apathetic as we have been in years past; that this was far different from the years in which anyone could just walk onto the highest positions of the school’s executive board by winning unopposed or the years in which the student body did not even think twice about who their elected representatives were. What we say was largely negative, but it was also reassuring.

The AAS has worked hard on behalf of the student body this year and will continue to do so in the future. This is very much the case with student life here in general: things are great, but there is definitely room for improvement in the fields of traditions, social life, diversity, community and other realms. I eagerly await the moment 50 years down the line when I open up a flashback issue of The Student and think “man, things at Amherst were great when I was a student … and they’ve only continued to get better..”

: the Historic Issue

Historical Issue Staff

Editor-in-Chief Managing Arts and Living Nicole Chi, Clara Yoon Brianda Reyes Design Editor Managing Sports Brendan Hsu Emmett Knowlton, Karl Greenblatt Managing News Publishers Alissa Rothman Mary Byrne, Chris Friend, Nazir Khan, David Walchak Managing Opinion Section Editors Erik Christianson, Meghna Sridhar Whit Froehlich, Siyu Shen Acknowledgements to the senators of the Association of Amherst Students who contributed to this Historical Issue Romen Borsellino Joseph Kim Megan Clower* Rohan Mazumdar Tania Dias Nihal Shrinath Kyra Ellis-Moore George Tepe Noah Gordon Christina Won Ian Hatch *Not a senator Alex Hurst

The Historic Issue

This special issue of The Amherst Student is the Senate project of former Editor-in-Chief and senator Nihal Shrinath ’12. Paid for by the Association of Amherst Students and compiled by both the staff of The Student and members of the AAS, this issue represents 142 years of The Student’s print. Articles were chosen for their historic, cultural or entertainment significance in the context of Amherst College history, national history and world history. With the exception of the first two pages, the centerspread and the back page, each page is dedicated to a decade of publication since The Student’s conception.

The views of the articles and images located within this issue do not represent the opinions of the current staff of The Student. We hope that you enjoy this issue and that it generates conversations about the many changes that the College has undergone and the many changes it can make in the future to improve.

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Siyu Shen ’15 and Alissa Rothman ’15 “The Senior Debate” March 6, 1869; “Hazing” September 19, 1868; “Amherst Town Laws” June 22, 1869, “Salaries of College Officers” October 9, 1869

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1860s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

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1870s

Edited by: Nicole Chi ’15

“A few Freshmen...”: May 3, ’73; “A few of the ladies...”: Jul 9, ’73; “Bloody Monday Night...”: Oct 4, ’73; “The Juniors...”: Oct 4, ’73; “A sight...”: Oct 14, ’76; “Prof...”: Oct 14, ’76; “The pressure...”: Oct 14, ’76; “The pressure...”: Oct 14, ’76; “We would...”: Oct 14, ’76; “Three or four...”: Oct 14, ’76; “The most dishonorable...”: Nov 1, ’76

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Clara Yoon ’15 “The grief which we feel...:” October 1, 1881; “An Interview With Oscar Wilde:” January 22, 1882; “Dear Fred”: October 15, 1881; “The following...:” October 15, 1881

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1880s

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1890s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Karl Greenblatt ’15 and Siyu Shen ’15 “The Squirt Gun War,” November 22, 1890; “Freshman Supper,” December 16, 1899; “Junior Orations,” December 11, 1897; “Freshman Statistics,” October 11, 1890

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Siyu Shen ‘15 and Karl Greenblatt ‘15 “Dormitory Rooms,” May 2, 1903; “Gun Club,” March 7, 1903; “Freshman Supper Rules,” December 6, 1902; “To the Editor,” October 3, 1907; “Meeting of the College,” January 20, 1906; “New Courses,” June 8, 1908

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1900s

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1910s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Nihal Shrinath ’12 and Joseph Kim ’14 “Anti-Mexicans” April 23 1914; “Sex Hygiene” January 12 1914; “General Wood” May 4 1914; “Lost Collection” October 13 1919; “New Sabrina Rules” November 13 1919; “Freshmen Showing Interest” October 31 1913

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Meghna Sridhar ‘14 and Nicole Chi ‘15 “Robert Frost...”: Oct 15, ’23; “Sabrina Flashes...”: Oct 8, ’23; “Infant Involved...”: Mar 28, ’29; “Letters...”: Sept 29, ’27; “Reasons for...”: Dec 8, ’27; “Inmates...”: Sept 27, ’28; “Prof. Bohr...”: Oct 15, ’23; “Frosh...”: Feb 25, ’29; “1929”: 1929

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1920s

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Ads

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Emmett Knowlton ’15 “Sex and the College Girl” (1964); “Hair Tonic” (1961); “Hangover” (1955) ; ; “Drive Safe” (1953); “Hastings” (1983); “Freshman” (1951) ; “Clothes for Men” (1960); “Empire Theatre” (1908); “Laundromat” (19600; “Franny and Zooey” (1961)

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Clara Yoon ’15 and Nicole Chi ’15 “Prom” (1960); “Smith Beauty Contest” (1944); “Football” (1947); “$urrogate” (1987); “Council” (1970); “Fuck Off ” (1984); “Nuclear War” (1961); “Child” (1986); “It’s in the bag!” (1949)

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Pictures

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1930s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Emmett Knowlton ’15 “Amherst Trims Trinity 19-0” November 11, 1939; “Alien Cloisters” October 16, 1939; “Freshman and Traditions” October 5, 1933; “Smith Gals” (Picture) November 11, 1939

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Emmett Knowlton ’15 “C.P.S To Stage” July 16, 1942; “Campus Invaded” October 20, 1945; “Column” August 6, 1942; “Style Preview” November 15, 1940; Mrs. Roosovelt to Talk” December 9, 1940; “Ch’Ing Ming” May 17, 1946; “DKE, Chi Phi” October 8, 1948

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1940s

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1950s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Alissa Rothman ’15 and Siyu Shen ’15 “McCarthy,” April 14, 1952; “Constructive Suggestion,” January 21, 1954; “Thurgood Marshall,” April 23, 1956; “Phi Delta Sigma Formed,” May 28, 1953; “Debate Starts,” January 30, 1958; “Freshman Jokesters,” November 12, 1951

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Brianda Reyes ’14 and Alissa Rothman ’15 “Four Amherst Students” March 11, 1965; “Sophomores” March 11, 1965; “Innovations Planned” September 20, 1965; “The Beatles” February 10, 1964; “The President” November 30, 1961; “Amherst Opts” February 24, 1969

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1960s

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1970s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Meghna Sridhar ’14 Headline: “Students Evicted...” Feb. 19, 1970; “Student Council Dissolves...” Feb. 16, 1970; “David Eisenhower’s...”

Apr. 23 1976; “M.A.S.H.” Feb. 9, 1970; “Amherst Party Sparks...” Apr. 23 1970; “Health Plan to Pay...” May 3, 1976

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Meghna Sridhar ’14 Headline: “Fraternities Closed” Feb. 25 ’84; “Mount Holyoke Divests...” Nov. 11 ’85; “Women’s Studies: Great Expectations” Jan. 29 ’87; “Man Attacks Two Freshmen...” Oct. 20 ’86; “State Drinking Age...” Oct. 13, ’83

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1980s

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1990s

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April 27, 2012

Edited by: Alissa Rothman and Karl Greenblatt ’15 “Students React to War in Gulf,” January 30, 1991; “Nobel Prize in Physics” October 24, 1990; “Internet,” November 4, 1998; “UMass Mob,” December 8, 1996; “Amherst Garners Top Spot” Octover 10, 1990

The Amherst Student: The Historic Issue, April , 

Edited by: Erik Christianson ’14 and Brendan Hsu ’15 “Student” August 29, 2003; “Tragedy shakes campus” September 12, 2001; “Campus grieves” September 19, 2001; “Athletes provide” September 24, 2005; “American flags” October 24, 2001; “Trustees map” October 24, 2001

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2000s

Edited by: Karl Greenblatt ’15 and Clara Yoon ’15 “Puckmen...”: Feb. 6, 1966; “Cinema”: Nov. 17, 1966; “Skydiver”: Oct. 20, 1966; “Liberal...: Nov. 15, 1976; “Hockey...”: Sep. 30, 1976; “Football”: Nov. 15, 2000