Remembering Radcliffe

To the Editors of The Crimson:

I was disappointed to read the words of the women who would deny their affiliation with Radcliffe [May 6]. After all, it was Radcliffe and her students who fought hard to integrate the male and female student bodies so that women could enjoy the education and facilities that Harvard today provides them. Why should we, the women of Harvard-Radcliffe, shove aside the women's college as if it represented a sordid past? Radcliffe has always provided the finest education and services, and still does. Granted, every woman at Harvard does not knock herself out to take advantage of all Radcliffe has to offer, but if she wants to she can.

Let's also remember that the Radcliffe crest and colors can highlight the success of female scholar-athletes as women. When the rugby team or the crew team wins, no one needs to ask, "Who? The men or the women?" Both teams retain the name Radcliffe, and they look mighty sharp in black. Everyone knows that Radcliffe athletes are also Harvard students, and everyone respects them for their achievements in both areas. There is no reason to think that "Radcliffe," in any area, represents anything less than "Excellence," or, for that matter, "Harvard," This statement does no spring from any wild sentiment of radical feminism, but from one of pride. Karen Weltchek '88