My friends and I read the perspective titled ‘Symbols of university’s evolution are everywhere,’ (Sept. 3, p. 13) and yes, we agree the features of the physical space where we gather to learn have a profound symbolic impact on our learning.
Provost Dennis Berkey writes, ‘You are returning to a campus rich in symbolism for what Boston University holds important and aspires to become.’ In light of this, my friends and I would like to point out another new symbol that we noticed upon our return to campus. On the pavilion in front of the Student Union, we saw that tents had been erected for a disco-club and a manicure salon. Kitsch and accessory vendors have been a common sight in the George Sherman Union in years past, but suddenly their presence has reached a new unprecedented level. This can only be a symbol of what’s the word commercialism? materialism? consumerism? Our question to you: is this what BU holds important and aspires to become?
We find this especially alarming after Silber’s attack last fall on the university’s Gay-Straight Alliance. The vendors at the GSU represent the materialism and vanity at the root of many young people’s promiscuous behavior. We find Silber’s ban of the Gay-Straight Alliance intolerable, and we suggest that the vendor situation at the GSU be rethought. What, we ask you, is BU trying to symbolize?
William Russell
CAS ’04