Lowell Masters Stress House Ban on Assassin

While some students took up arms this week in preparation for House-wide games of Assassin, Lowell House residents received a stern reminder from the masters in Monday's newsletter that the game is not permitted among House members.

"Students may be asked to leave the House if they are found to be organizing or participating in such activities," the message read.

Lowell House Master Diana L. Eck confirmed the decision yesterday, saying that Assassin "is not in keeping with the spirit of community life."

"I don't want a game where people are stalking and shooting one another in the midst of an academic environment," she said.

In games of Assassin, students are assigned other students to stalk and "kill" using toy dart guns or other harmless "weapons." The game is still played at several Houses, as well as by students at the Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel.

Quincy House Master Michael Shinagel also allows the game, but says he recognizes some of the problems.

"Students get overzealous in the kinds of guns they acquire--some get rather authentic. Other students use Walkie-talkies," Shinagel said.

According to Shinagel, a student was arrested for brandishing an Assassin gun that looked real several years ago.

But Shinagel also pointed to the benefits of the game.

"The positive side is House spirit," he said. "It's almost like a rite of spring."

Students, like masters, have divided opinions about the game. Some Lowell students said yesterday that they agreed with their masters.

"I don't think there is anything I'd rather not do than play Assassin. It sounds like a terrible game," Lowell resident Virginia G. James '00 said.

Christine M. Rohrbeck '00 echoed James's sentiments.

"I think it is the greatest rule ever invented. Assassin is really disruptive. I actually lived in a House where it was played last year, and if you're not playing, it can get annoying," she said.

"People accidentally shoot you; they hide behind corners. I heard about someone last year who camped out to avoid getting caught in his room," she said.

Other students who live in Houses where Assassin is allowed expressed more positive opinions.

"I've played before. The people who play have fun, and the people who don't are amused by it. I haven't seen anyone who has been negatively impacted by a little plastic gun," Eugene M. Plotkin '00 said.

Mather resident Megan Beck 01 said she agreed.

"It is actually a bonding experience for peoplein the House. You get assigned people to killrandomly, so you begin to realize different peoplein your House," she said.

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68 saidyesterday he does not plan to take College-wideaction on the game.

"Decisions about Assassin in the Houses is inthe hands of the individual masters," he wrote inan e-mail message

Mather resident Megan Beck 01 said she agreed.

"It is actually a bonding experience for peoplein the House. You get assigned people to killrandomly, so you begin to realize different peoplein your House," she said.

Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68 saidyesterday he does not plan to take College-wideaction on the game.

"Decisions about Assassin in the Houses is inthe hands of the individual masters," he wrote inan e-mail message