GUEST COLUMNISTS: Preserving diversity on Locust Walk

Over time, things change. Even traditions need to change when they obstruct the path to a more just world. Traditions that had been popular or the norm die when they become or are recognized as exclusionary and discriminatory, and new principles emerge in their place. We have control over and responsibility for the direction of this change. We need to take an active role in the construction of positive, inclusive new principles. At one time, women and many racial and ethnic minorities could not attend the University because of its -- and America's -- discriminatory traditions. But over the past 50 years, the demographics of this campus have been dramatically transformed, reflecting inevitable change. These efforts are sorely lacking, as evidenced by University President Judith Rodin's recent statement -- in announcing her plan for minority permanence -- that a significant number of minorities leave campus each year. If Rodin and her administration want to understand this problem, they -- and everyone else on campus -- must look deeper than statistics, to fundamental structures. Take, for example, Locust Walk. It is the heart of the University, symbolic of the vitality of student life. A location on the Walk signifies a group or department's prominence and acceptance by the University community. This sense of acceptance is what Rodin is attempting to address through her minority permanence initiative. In the past, tradition dictated that Locust Walk was inhabited only by a wealthy, white male population. This may have been satisfactory when the University accepted only white males, but now white males are only one facet of campus life. The addition of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Center, African-American Resource Center, Women's Center, and the Community Service Living-Learning Program housed in the Castle have not only begun to diversify the Walk, but have created an atmosphere conducive to dialogue about and recognition of Penn's diversity. Things need to continue to change. The Women's Center fought for a decade for its new, prominent location on the Walk, the same prominence the Castle may soon lose. The Castle, a place where all students may eat, hold meetings and events and learn about the community, could soon be retuned to its original use, housing a fraternity -- a private, all-male club. This change would be a step backward from the goal of building a diverse community on the Walk. Still, the Walk is a good place to start the process of lasting change at the University, which will require tough decisions on the administration's part. The administration's responsibility is to build a learning community that puts diversity into action. It needs resist pressure from the fraternity and keep the Castle functioning a residence open to all. This is not a fraternity versus administration issue, but an issue of vision for the future direction of campus. Students need to take a stand, too. Our leadership and vision are necessary for directing change. We should be aware of the incredible diversity at the University and support activities and organizations like the Castle that bring us together. If the Castle is to remain on the Walk as a resource, it needs student support and continuing interest in its activities. As leaders of tomorrow, we must challenge ourselves to learn lessons of diversity today. We have seen the disasters brought about by ethnic conflict and discrimination -- church burnings, segregated cities, job discrimination. These problems stem from a lack of understanding and caring about diversity. We call upon the University's students, faculty and administration to come together and use our power to make diversity work. We don't have another choice.

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