"To be effective in a moving complex institution like Oberlin, conversations need to bring together and engage different voices ... Conversations need to be sustained. A single conversation, much like a single forum, rarely brings about change."
These are not the words of campus activists. They are the words of Nancy Dye. Dye has responded to the 11 specific areas of concerns from the Coalition in a telling 15-page letter. In the letter she gives a thoroughly thought out plan of action. And while one wonders why Dye still has yet to send out any information regarding Dean Cole-Newkirk and the Dean of Student Life position, she must be lauded for this response. It is evidence that she took the questions seriously.
Whether students read, think about and respond thoughtfully to Dye's letter will expose their commitment to playing a real, active role in the future of Oberlin. The letter contains statements that students will both agree and disagree with. It is important for students to articulate reasons for these reactions to Dye and the College administration. It is important for students to take Dye as seriously as she took them.
Dye's letter will undoubtedly not be enough for some students who believe there have been too many letters and committees in the past. But, logistically, what were her choices? Maybe Dye could have taken immediate action, but would that not have been understood as dictatorship? The demands pushed for in the students' letter are not demands that Dye, solitarily, can remedy. And let us be thankful of that.
Instead of saying that change will be made now, Dye gave students avenues to get involved. She disagreed with some of the claims and agreed with others. Dye gave personal experience on which to base her assumptions. Students need to respond with the same degree of honesty and thoughtfulness. There is plenty of space for students to criticize Dye's letter, but it must be done constructively and intelligently.
The rally and the following meetings have been necessary, but without sustained student involvement, the same rally and call for coalition building will occur again in 10 years. We now have in writing Dye's Oberlin. The ball is in our court. Will we drop it?
Jazz Studies students deserve to practice and learn in a facility comparable to those of other Conservatory students. The Jazz Studies Department has historically been at odds with gaining proper support and recognition from the Conservatory. Oberlin must take initiatives to mend the divisions and, thus, provide the department with an adequate learning facility.
It is absolutely ridiculous for Jazz Studies students to practice in a facility where when it rains, the floors are flooded, or better yet, when the sound of the instruments disturb people in their homes, the facility is closed to students at an earlier time. No professor or student in the college or other conservatory departments would sit back and allow for these disadvantages to continue.
If Dean of the Conservatory Karen Wolff has been truly "concerned" about the situation, the Jazz Studies department would not be still dealing with a series of handicaps. The Conservatory and the College itself has an obligation to show the same respect to the Jazz Studies Department as other departments. Why not promote jazz and make Hales Gym the mecca of jazz at Oberlin? Jazz Studies students deserve to have their basic educational needs accomodated promptly.
Copyright © 1997, The Oberlin Review. Contact us with your comments and suggestions.
Jazz students deserve support
Volume 126, Number 9, November 14, 1997