Students Polled on Iraq War: Nay to Political Neutrality

To the Editors:

As a recent grad, I am heartened to read of ongoing anti-war activism at Oberlin. We are living in dark times, poised on the brink of what will likely be a catastrophic war in Iraq. Strong, coherent statements against American beligerance must be given voice. While actual action to reform society consisting of individual effort and responsibility is essential, the reality is that real momentum can be gained by the sort of institutional backing that a campus-wide referendum against the war could afford. Certainly, our society faces a number of serious concerns besides the war, from hunger, to inadequate health-care, to the environment. Our society even has reasons to be hopeful. Yet few issues currently seem as pressing as the seeming invisibility of a huge segment of our world’s society that opposes U.S. militarism.
Thus, it is disconcerting when people such as Chris Holbein try to dissuade the College from coming out against the war, even when many of the individuals associated with this institution do oppose the war. I realize the importance of Chris’ desire for students to be allowed to explore their own political beliefs and debate on any issue. However, I don’t believe making such a statement precludes that possibility. Moreover, I don’t believe that Oberlin College is or should be a neutral institution without political ideologies characterizing the institution as a whole.
It isn’t for a number of reasons. First of all, consider the much-touted tradition of Oberlin’s acceptance of minorities and women. Had Oberlin maintained a “neutral” role on race and gender issues, would it have been able to carry the progressive banner that it so often drapes itself in? Secondly, just in looking at the curriculum offered at Oberlin, can this be considered a neutral institution? No, there are particular choices made by each department and the administration as a whole that shapes the sort of education offered here. Neutrality is a myth. I attended Oberlin for a reason. Even if the reality of the experience was not what my expectations were, my thinking was shaped to some degree in response to what this institution represents. I presume that is the case for many Obies.
I have the good fortune to know Chris, and to know that he is a passionate individual, and a passionate Democrat. I apologize if this sounds like a personal attack, but I feel it isn’t difficult to draw connections between the former passion and your neutralizing rhetoric. It is this mentality of avoiding conflict and striving for the center ground that has so recently and sadly doomed the Democratic party.
This is a time when we must take risks, and Oberlin, even as it faces its own institutional problems has an opportunity to speak loudly and strongly against the war.
This is not a neutral institution. If it were, why come here? There is something that makes any institution what it is, whether for good or bad. Why shouldn’t Oberlin have an opinion, and a good one?

–Bill Lascher
OC ’02