About the 'Big Party'

To the Editors of The Crimson:

I am extremely disappointed in The Crimson's coverage of our Memorial Hall party in the edition of 8 April 1987 ("Council to Host 30-Keg Party In Mem Hall for Undergrads"). The article was written in a way that dampened the spirit behind the party, hurt its chances for success, and poo-pooed the commendable efforts of the Social Committee and Kirkland and Quincy Houses, who sponsored this event to improve Harvard social life. Despite the large scale of the event, the plenitude of refreshments for students, and the quality and name recognition of the band playing it, The Crimson appeared to quote only those who could find fault in this endeavor.

One freshman commented that she probably would not go to the party because she hadn't head about it and had already made plans for the weekend. In fact, the council took out four ads in The Crimson and two in the Independent, and bolstered this with two campus-wide posterings (the latter of which was to occur after this Crimson article). Was this not a good-faith effort?

Another freshman commented that "a beer bash" was probably not a great thing to do. Needless to say, the fact that one of the biggest-name Harvard bands was playing in a dance-oriented party didn't receive too much Crimson attention.

Yet another Harvard student interviewed by The Crimson noted that the council shouldn't throw campus-wide parties since the houses already do that. Gee. I guess one party per house per year is enough for Harvard students. The council humbly apologizes.

All students are entitled to their opinions. However, it is questionable whether The Crimson quotes accurately reflected the true feelings of the broader student body. Personally, I cannot believe that a vast majority of Harvard students reject the idea of bringing the campus together at a large-scale social event with a top-notch live band and refreshments to match. It I am correct, The Crimson did an inferior job of reporting the event and in so doing did a disservice to the entire Harvard community. And if I am wrong, then Harvard social life truly is in a sorry state, and I find myself hard-pressed to serve as social chair of this undergraduate student body. Undergraduate Council Social Committee Chairman