Only Half the Story

The October 24 issue of The Crimson carried an article entitled "Hungry First-Years Diners Annoy North Residents." The article states that, irritated by "the added traffic in the North House dining hall," some residents "went so far this week as to construct a barricade of chairs to prevent first-years from entering the dining hall from the outside." This is a fact.

The story goes on to say that upperclassmen "have complained that first-years flood their dining hall, increasing lines and causing food shortages." This is also a fact.

The two facts have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

In September, some North House residents expressed concerns about the influx non-residents at meals. North House Committee discussed restricting interhouse and decided against it.

We realize that the walk to the Union can be a hassle and that eating in our dining hall is more pleasant. And as Quadlings, we're hardly in a position to oppose interhouse. We chose not to exclude first-years from our dining hall. We're glad they're visiting the Quad, and we're proud to show off North House. Anyone who wants to eat here is welcome to use the doors upstairs.

So why the barricade? Clearly not to keep out freshmen. Buried in the story's jumps is a sentence stating that "some upper-class students said that barricading the doors was actually an effort to reduce drafts." When the doors in question are opened, the accompanying gust of wind makes people at nearby tables shiver. In winter our superintendent posts a sign stating that the doors are not to be used. The recent cold snap was unusually early, and the sign isn't up yet.

Your story was partly right. Yes, there was a barricade. Yes, we want to keep first-years from using the doors in the dining hall. We also want to keep sophomores, juniors, seniors, residents and non-residents from using those doors. And now you know the rest of the story...we just wish you has asked more questions before printing only half of it. Julie E. Foster '93   President   North House Committee