Since I've been at Bates College, students have seemed content to play a passive role in the governing of this school and themselves. Sometimes I wonder if the prevalent apathy on this campus is a direct result of knowing that if something serious goes down, the administration will put a cap on it. This does not only concern that which unfolded on the 9th. Many of the decisions made by the administration have caused my peers and I to question its integrity. One would assume that the administration would constantly attempt to make this school a better place.

However, it seems to attempt to make this school "appear" a better place. Without any argument, the administration has to place priority on how the students feel their school should be governed. It is possible that the administration does not always know what is best for its students. A college should have an administration that has respect for its students and their opinions. I'm not trying to say that this issue is a one-way door. There have been times when I have not seen administrative employees receive the respect they deserve. I'm only asking that we be considerate of each other and our wishes. Its already like there is a great wall between the administration and the students. I, as a student, do not want an administration that is going to "yes " me to death, and then do nothing about the problem; and I certainly hope that the administration does not want a student body exhibiting learned helplessness.

Signed,
Channing Palmlund '98