Alum Says Pomona Ought to Be Renamed To Reflect PC Concensus

There were two letters that went to The Student Life on the matter of changing the alma mater. Unfortunately, they only printed one, but did refer to another.

From The Student Life's Letters to the Editor Section:

"On Considerations of Changing Alma Mater"

Editor:

For many years now I have heard rumors and opinions suggesting that Academia in this country has been unduly affected by a zeal among students and faculty alike for something called "Political Correctness." This sociological phenomenon has seemed to me unfortunate, but not an issue which touched me personally or aroused me to action. However, the recent efforts of zealots at Pomona College to rob students and alumni of the beauty and inspiration of two of our most beloved songs has stirred me to heartfelt indignation!

The words to "Hail, Pomona, Hail!" are absolutely devoid of any hint of denigration of another race. Is it to be expected because of its association with a show put on long ago by students who were simply reflecting the entertainments of their day, insensitive and wrong though they may have been as seen in our hindsight?

If guilt by association is to be our guide, then consider the name of our college! A Roman goddess, for heaven's sake! Remember what the Romans did? Amused themselves by watching Christians be torn to bits by lions! What were our Congregational founders thinking?!! Let's rectify their mistake and drop "Pomona" in favor of a name with more benign associations!!

I rest my case.
May a spirit of sanity and reason prevail as the committee meets to talk over this untoward ruckus.

Sincerely Yours,
Lois Lighthart '47

Well said.

Unfortunately, the editors of The Student Life sought fit to censor another letter, which they only quote in the article by Ms. Sarah Higley. I quote from Page 1 of The Student Life,

"The administration is taking a racial [sic] step backwards by trying to make everyone happy," he said in an unsigned letter to The Student Life. "Not only is that unrealistic and impossible, that's not what a college administration should be doing. That's not educating, that's coddling."

Also well said, and if the author of said letter is around and willing to send me a copy at [email protected], I would gladly print it online.

Mr. Kim Bruce, a computer science professor -- yes, really -- is in charge of the committee that is discussing the banning of the songs "Hail, Pomona, Hail" and "Torch Bearers" -- a song about Indians -- was quoted as saying, "It's your Alma Mater . . . student opinion is absolutely essential."

It would seem that student opinion is more preferred to alumni opinion. Dare I say that Pomona has been treating its alumni and its students separately and unequally? Good heavens!