The Dartmouth Review: Resisting Change Since 1980

Monday, January 15, 2001

Editor's Note: The following email from Dean of Residential Life Martin Redman was written in response to a request for an interview, which was denied by both Dean Redman and, more forcefully, by his secretary. The email referred to below, sent by Christian Hummel, and Dean Redman's response to that email were sent to multiple recipients, making the two hardly 'individual correspondence.' The article prompting this exchange appears on page 11.

Date: 09 Jan 2001 20:49:56 EST
From: Martin W. Redman
Subject: Re: Interview Request
To: Andrew M. Grossman

Andrew,

I apologize for not responding sooner but my schedule left little time today to read blitzes until after work so I obviously missed your 4:30 number.

As you know, I have been here about 1 1/2 years and I am quite familiar with the way in which the D operates but quite honestly you are the first person from the Review to seek comment from me. As a result, I have no personal
experience with the Review to base any opinion upon how accurately the Review quotes individuals within context. You obviously have been given a copy of what I assumed to be individual correspondence between myself, Christian Hummel, and the cc's on the blitz.

As most students who get to know me are aware I say what is on my mind when asked so nothing in the correspondence with Chris is inaccurate. It was however a specific response to certain questions he posed.

I have only read two issues of the Review since I have been here. Those issues, as I recall them, certainly suggested that the theme running through the paper is one that resists change. I on the other hand embrace positive change. Had Dartmouth not changed over the years it probably would have closed and neither of us would be here now. Quite honestly by answering your questions on this matter or any other, I feel that I lend credibility to the inherent underlying theme of the Review which I disagree with. All of the articles I read in the two issues all had a particular slant to them and I would not call them news but opinion. I, as are we all, free to disagree on matters of opinion. We are also free to decline to support the opinions of those with which we disagree.

As a result, I thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the Psi U matter but respectfully decline your invitation.

Marty Redman

The Dartmouth Review: Resisting Change Since 1980

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