November 2015 (64, 4)

Page 1

350 Prospect Street Belmont, MA 02478

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Volu m e 6 4 , Issu e 4

Novemb er 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

A Student Publication of the Belmont Hill School

General Mark A. Milley, ‘76, Returns to Belmont Hill as Chief of Staff of U.S. Army explaining how ever y student in the room is lucky to be here, and, regardless of anyone’s familial status, simply attending such a great school with such experi-

examined just how much By Jason Fischman the world has changed since Panel Staff his days on the Hill and said On the day before Vetthat the world would likely erans Day, General Mark change even more in the near Milley ‘76, a Belmont Hill future, but a Belmont Hill alumnus and education and the Chief of the benefits Staff of the of it, includUnited States ing skills like Army, spoke critical thinkto the Beling and reamont Hill soning, will alcommunity ways be valued. in a riveting General and powerful Milley then Long School outlined his m e e t i n g . own story and Dr. Melhow he landed voin started in his current off with a position. Afbrief welcome ter graduatand introducing from Beltion to Genmont Hill in eral Milley, 1976, he went and Mr. Maron to Princtin followed, eton, where he describing his played hockey days coaching and participatMilley on the ed in the ROTC varsity hockprogram. Afey team. The ter graduating, former stuMilley served dent turned in numerous militar y comarmy posimander then tions, doing launched into tours in Iraq, his tale, deAfghanistan, scribing his Egypt, Panainitial impres- General Milley speaking (top) and walking across campus (below) ma, Haiti, and sions of Belmont Hill: “I enced and dedicated teach- more, as a member of the came here 44 years ago as a ers places all graduates at Special Forces and variThird Former and freshman, a huge advantage, stressing ous other military units. and I’ll tell you, this school that teachers are nearly as General Milley then was a bit intimidating to me.” important as parents when it delved into the issues currentMilley then dove into came to molding boys with ly threatening our society. his praises of Belmont Hill, strong character. He then Continued on page 3

An Opinion on the Pitfalls of Campus Activism: A Culture of Political Correctness

By Juan Carlos Fernández-del Castillo Staff Writer This article contains content that some readers may find challenging or uncomfortable. It may make assertions readers disagree with or force readers to consider new ideas. Discretion is advised. Political correctness is the effort to avoid action or expression that might marginalize or offend groups of people, especially those who are at a social or economic disadvantage. This model of political correctness is one we should all apply- courtesy and respect dictate that much. It would theoretically embrace plurality of thought and the freedom of expression, especially for underrepresented groups. This is valuable and commendable. Recently however, flaws in the aggressive application of political correctness have risen to the fore. The first of these is the repression of expression, often oddly in the spirit of tolerance. This has been on striking display in the recent events at Yale. Before Halloween, their administration sent out an email advising students to avoid culturally insensitive costumes. This is a fine starting point - no one should willfully, hurtfully mock another culture. The issue began to receive national attention after a lec-

turer and Assistant Master of Silliman College named Erika Christakis sent out an email to her college in response to the advice. (The position of Master, based on the British term for teacher, places someone in charge of running a residential college at Yale.) One might assume (as I did) that Ms. Christakis had written something grossly offensive for the wrath she invoked. But in fact, her email was humble and thoughtful. It deferentially invited the community to discuss the role of the administration in students’ lives through an intellectual, civil, mature lens. As she wrote: “I don’t wish to trivialize genuine concerns about cultural and personal representation, and other challenges to our lived experience in a plural community.” Her main point? She asks, “What does this debate about Halloween costumes say about our view of young adults, of their strength and judgement?” And she does not authoritatively answer this question. I invite you to find the original text online. Firstly, the context in which this happened helps us frame and understand the student reaction to it in many ways, and I will discuss that at length. But regardless of what preceded it, the response by some of the Yale student body was intolerant and disproportionate. Continued on page 6

Winsor Gala Celebrates the Newly Opened LOC Look Inside SYA Check-in pg 2 Turkey Drive pg 3 American Gun Control pg 9 Heidi Chronicles pg 14 Fall Sports Team Playlists pg 19

By Susy Liu & Claudia Meyer Panel Staff

have set the performing arts programs on a course to reach their full potential. The gala featured 61 Winsor students, faculty, and guest artists, and Ms. Taillacq was struck by how meaningful it was for the Winsor girls themselves to show the Winsor family what they have accomplished in the new building. The gala’s

audience included volunteers, architects, acousticians, and others who helped design and construct the building as well as Winsor faculty, alumni, trustees, parents, and board members. Donors to the Winsor Promise Campaign, including Richard Lubin and Joseph O’Donnell, were also present. In order to do

“This was once a dream. Now it’s a promise.” The gala Winsor held on Friday, October 23 sported this slogan, taken from a poem composed by Audrey Wu ‘20 for the event, in celebration of the Lubin-O’Donnell Center’s (LOC) contribution to Winsor’s performing arts programs. The night, which was filled with music, dance, poetry, and drama, displayed how the LOC’s new technology and facilities have enriched Winsor’s performing arts. The gala was held to show the Winsor community the opportunities the LOC has brought to the performing arts as well as thank those who have made the completion of the LOC possible. Ms. Taillacq said, “The gala was a celebration of a dream come true.” Winsor reached a major milestone in the completion of the LOC, and the new facilities Students and faculty form an ensemble for the gala.

such an occasion justice, a large team of performing arts faculty and dining and advancement staff began planning the gala last spring. Once the school year started, Winsor performing arts classes like Small Chorus, percussion, and orchestra worked hard to prepare a good show. Continued on page 15

Kristie Rae Gillooly


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