Breaking Through?

Final Clubs and other same-sex organizations at Harvard have long been shrouded in varying degrees of secrecy. As prospective students, we were not even told about their existence. As first-years, we then watched the antics and regalia of punch week and initiation with interest and curiosity. And as upperclassmen, we learned more—some joining the organizations, others merely attending the parties. Nonetheless, despite the integral part these organizations play in campus social life, the dialogue between University Hall and these clubs has always been muted.

However, two weeks ago Assistant Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II and Associate Dean of the College Judith H. Kidd held a meeting with leaders of many of the same-sex organizations at the College to discuss the possibility of working together with these groups in the future. This dialogue represents a welcome thawing of relations between Harvard’s administration and its top social clubs. It has been far too long in coming.

We acknowledge that most final clubs and the male fraternity Sigma Chi, which have plenty of money and active alumni groups, are probably not too excited about University involvement. These organizations do not need University support to function, and they probably view the dialogue as a way for Harvard to try to re-impose control that the administration relinquished over 20 years ago, when Harvard stopped recognizing same-sex organizations. However, it is ultimately in the best interest of both the College and the organizations if some dialogue could exist between them. For the College, dialogue could allow some small measure of input, presumably dealing with student safety, to inform the actions of the clubs. There is reason for the clubs to open up as well. Much of the stigma surrounding final clubs arises from misconceptions—misconceptions that are only strengthened by the secrecy of the clubs. These steps do not necessarily need to lead to a formalized relationship between same-sex organizations and the College, but we hope that it would lead to a new culture of openness among the college administrators and the rest of the student body.

Furthermore, it is important that first-year students are taught about these organizations through official channels. Beyond becoming aware of the mere existence of these organizations at Harvard, more information needs to be transmitted about them from the minute students set foot on campus. It is foolish to deny that these clubs, and their dangers, exist. First-year students need to be aware of the potential pitfalls in joining same-sex organizations and in attending parties thrown by the organizations. It is important that they do not continue to remain shrouded in mystery and secrecy, and thus it is imperative that the dialogue continues.

We look to the future with hope.