House ‘War’ Unexpectedly Cancelled After Sept. 11 Attacks

The annual day of competitions held between Adams and Pforzheimer Houses, known as the “War,” have been “cancelled indefinitely,” an e-mail circulated by the Pforzheimer House Committee Executive Board reported on Sunday.

The decision was made in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, in the “hope that residents of this House and houses across the world will ensure through their efforts that such tragedy never again occurs,” the e-mail said.

The games, started two years ago as a friendly rivalry between the Houses, consist of various intramural sports and activities such as tug-of-war.

If Pforzheimer wins, the residents are given rights to the Adams House dining hall throughout the year.

Opposition to the Pforzheimer House Committee’s decision has mounted sharply since Sunday’s e-mail.

“I was very upset,” said Pforzheimer resident Brendan Connell ’02. “Everyone can tell the difference between a real war and these good-natured games. I think the Board is trying to comfort people, but they’re only making things worse.”

Vikram Vaz ’03 said he thought the decision was an unwarranted response to the tragedy.

“People are losing perspective, confusing a sports event with real losses people have suffered,” he said.

Vaz also pointed out the suddenness with which the House Committee reached a decision, saying no students outside of the committee actually participated in the process.

Pforzheimer House Master Sue McCarthy, whose signature appears at the bottom of the e-mail message, said she and Co-Master Jim McCarthy did not take part in the actual decision.

“I did agree with the Board when I spoke with them, but I did not make the decision,” she said.

Counterparts in Adams knew little to nothing about the cancellation of the event.

“It was an idea, but no one had discussed it beyond me and maybe the seniors who remember the tradition,” said Amanda Hillman ’02, co-president of the Adams House Committee Executive Board.

Hillman said the issue had not been brought up at the first Adams House Committee Meeting.

Teresa Bechtold ’02, President of the Pforzheimer House Committee, could not be reached for comment.