Sophomore Rules

Radcliffe students have tended to reduce the problem of sophomore rules to dichotomies such as liberal vs. conservative or freedom vs. authority But the signout rules should be based on the needs of the sophomores rather than on vague, emotional arguments.

In their second year Radcliffe students face many problems, as reflected by their falling grades and other factors. Responding to these pressures, some girls may devote nearly all their time to extra-curricular activities. Others involve themselves in an all-consuming personal relationship. Any reasonable vote about sophomore curfews should center around the question of whether regulations can shield students from making hasty and unwise decisions.

Such a function could be served by a two o'clock signout, with the option of overnight permission from the senior resident. By requiring approval for an overnight, the College would make clear its opposition to thoughtless commitments and thus encourage sophomores to consider carefully decisions about sexual behavior.

But to do this, it is not necessary to harrass the student, and an extension of the present curfew from one to two would make it unnecessary for girls to leave functions early or race up Garden Street in order to avoid being late. Such an extension is particularly necessary if securing overnight permissions is made more difficult.