Randomizing Concentrations

Looking back at our time here at Harvard, and considering the recent controversy surrounding the randomization of the housing lottery, we feel we must congratulate the efforts of Dean Jewett and the Harvard administration. However, their efforts, while laudable, do not reach far enough.

In fact, were Harvard to truly do justice to randomization, it would randomize concentrations. This may, on the surface, seem strange, but there are many good reasons to do so.

Harvard has a responsibility to provide a diverse environment for its students. Dean Jewett has taken an important step in this direction with his decision concerning housing. However, certain unnamed majors have disproportionately high or low numbers of athletes, minorities, women, pre-meds and pre-laws. Since students spend much of their time in class, studying with classmates, etc., clearly the make-up of classes should also reflect the diversity of the College.

Also, randomizing concentrations would take a lot of stress off of first-years. If you think housing is stressful, choosing a major is much more so. Randomization would take pressure off of first-years so they can spend more time playing frisbee in the Yard.

For those who think that students are capable of choosing their own concentrations, consider how many change majors every year. Those students who really dislike their concentration can apply to switch after one year. Most students, however, will be perfectly happy in whichever major they are assigned to.

After instituting this, all Harvard needs to do is randomize the professors. Clare Sammells '95   Matt Duhan '95