Column Misrepresents Controversy

Amid discussion of whether Christmas trees are religious or secular symbols. Hallie Levine (column, Opinion, Dec. 12, 1994) reminds us that Winthrop House has a history of Christmas tree controversies, "most notably last year, when several Jewish students vocally complained about their presence in the dining hall."

If, by "vocal" complaints, she is referring to The Crimson article of last year. I would like to correct her account, being the member interviewed in that article. Contrary to what Levine stated, there was no objection to a Christmas tree being in the dining hall.

The problem was that there was a blatant inconsistency of policy--and strictly financial policy at that. The House masters had decided that the house would take a non-denominational stance in regard to the winter holidays and fund neither Chanukah party nor Christmas tree.

It is wrong to place fully the blame on the masters, as one house resident has recently done with excessive gusto. Discussion is a two-way street: the house committee is not flawless either, and should take more initiative in establishing a constant channel of information between the students and the house masters.

Too often, I have seen members of the house community attempt to guess or get offended at others opinions, when a 10-minute conversation over hot cocoa will put issues to rest efficiently, and most important, peacefully. --Peter Galatin '95