Men Outnumber Women in Class Marshal Vote

For the first time, less than half of the eight class marshals are women.

In past years, Harvard and Radcliffe marshals were elected in separate elections, four from each gender. But with the end of Radcliffe College, all seniors voted for all eight marshals--who were chosen from an original pool of 91, and then 16 finalists.

Although the two female marshals said the gender imbalance could make their jobs awkward, some said that gender probably did not play a role in voters' choices.

Sameera Fazili '00 said she was "very, very shocked and surprised" to find out that she was one of only two females chosen.

"I want to comment on it and talk to the other marshals. I think we should find out what the class opinion is," she said.

The 16 finalists included 10 men and six women.

Two female runners-up who commented on the election said they noticed the discrepancy, but were not overly concerned. "I think people vote for the person, not the gender," said Virginia G. James '00, who had been a finalist.

The other female winner, Gwen Y. Shen '00, said she worries this year's imbalance could be repeated in the future--a fact that could make meetings awkward.

"I'm concerned by what it means about women and their role in the leadership of the class," she said, adding that she anticipates "a lot of testosterone" in marshal meetings.

And Fazili agreed. "Gender dynamics can be an issue."

First Marshal Justin M. Krebs '00, who received the highest vote total, said he agrees the gender issue is important.

"It's one of the first things the marshals should discuss," he said.

Their overwhelming response over the weekend was that the imbalance would not hamper their effectiveness.

"I don't think it's going to be a problem," marshal Adam D. Colvin '00 said.

And Krebs said his main goal this year is to plan class activities that will include all students.

"Not everyone has a gung-ho passion for the senior class and for Harvard," Krebs said.

He hopes that senior year events--such as the 100 days countdown, senior week and Class Day--can be fun for everyone.

The class marshals also head the Senior Gift committee, collecting a fund from contributions by class members. Marshal Christopher A. Amar '00 suggested using the gift to start scholarships for local students.

"We can use our money in more constructive ways than giving benches to Harvard," Amar said.

After graduation, the marshals, who are elected for life, organize alumni events and keep in touch with the class.

Some said getting to know their classmates now is one of their top priorities.

"I'll have an excuse to go to every Senior Bar," Colvin said.

The winners were notified by telephone and e-mail messages Friday evening.

"It was really nice because my whole family was there," said Robert S. Schwartz '00 of the moment he found out he won. "Of course, my mom had to make chocolate chip cookies."

Most of the marshals said that the election was something of a popularity contest, since it involved neither platforms nor campaigning.

Some of the victors are involved in visible campus groups, such as the Immediate Gratification Players and the Radcliffe Pitches, and said this might have contributed to their wins. All are from different houses, and some said that perhaps house loyalty figured in the elections.

But Colvin said he won for the opposite reason. "I have a lot of close friends scattered in the different houses," said the Currier House resident.

Shen attributed her success to being the only candidate from Kirkland House, as well as being one of the few Asian-American candidates.

However, Christopher A. Amar '00 cited other reasons for his victory. "Probably my stunning good looks."

The winners are:

Justin M. Krebs, First Marshall

Christopher A. Amar

Adam D. Colvin

Sameera Fazili

P. Terrence McGovern

Terrence M. McNeil

Robby S. Schwartz

Gwen Y. Shen