Editor:

A firestorm of dialogue has engulfed Pomona College of late. The ASPC Senate, the administration, President Peter Stanley, ASPC President Richard Park, CCLA, the CPD, Claremont’s elderly, Jon Vanasco, Ann Quinley, Neil Gerard, the Office of Study Abroad, Aramark, and many other people and institutions have been questioned, criticized, and attacked.

Often, no setting has existed in which these questions, criticisms, and attacks can be addressed and brought to beneficial resolution. That is not to say that no forums exist that help criticism transition to solution. This very page of letters to the editor contributes to campus dialogue. The same can be said for satirical pieces in The Student Alternative, reaching the ASPC by email, the occasional campus forums on particularly hot issues, and the office hours of administrators.

Despite these outlets, however, it is often impossible to gain a balanced perspective on campus criticisms. The administration often does not defend or justify its actions. Even in settings such as the SCC forum, the administration is charged with sidestepping questions. And the lack of clarity that surrounds many Pomona debates extends far beyond those involving the administration. How would Vanasco respond to Brenner’s letter to the editor? How would Quinley respond to Vanasco’s article?

I propose the following: that an internet message board is established for the use of the entire college community. Any question could be asked of anyone. Any statement could be made by anyone. For example, "Jon Vanasco, you’re out of control, signed DQ" or "Dear administration, how do you justify the new posting policy." The only restriction would be against anonymous posting.

I am convinced that this message board would bolster dialogue, accountability, and solutions on campus. I encourage support of the ASPC Senate, the administration, and the student body to make this a reality.

Sincerely,

Conor Friedersdorf ’02