In February 2016, Dartmouth announced that it had created three working groups to examine diversity and inclusivity in the College's faculty, staff and student body. The College then announced its Action Plan for Excellence in May. The plan, which focuses on six pillars to promote diversity and inclusivity, includes a long-term plan to ensure diversity in Dartmouth's faculty.
On Jan. 10, 2018, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, an education nonprofit that defends individual rights at American universities announced that Dartmouth had been downgraded to a "red light rating." According to FIRE's website, this title is reserved for universities that enforce policies that "both clearly and substantially restrict protected speech." After this downgrade and a change in political climate following the 2016 presidential election, many individuals have begun to question the current state of free speech and political expression on Dartmouth's campus.
This editors' note was featured in the Green Key 2017 Special Issue: "Awakening."
This article was featured in the Green Key 2017 Special Issue: "Awakening."
Winters at Dartmouth are my favorite terms. Winters in general are my favorite time — there is something magical in the beginning of the year, the promise of something new and the hope for many snow days. I have been on campus every winter, and I have come to appreciate this hated term for slightly shorter lines at the Collis Center and a general acceptance of not going out on Friday nights. I have also come to appreciate how much my winters here have taught me about Dartmouth's mythical community.