To the Editor:
The Daily should be commended for its commitment to bringing racial issues to the forefront of debate on our great campus. As President of the Tufts Republicans and a proud conservative on campus, I was hurt to see the content of the Primary Source's Christmas carol last year. It hurt both me and members of my club to see a group that is often associated with us write such offensive things. That being said, I was proud to be a Tufts student in the response our community produced, not by removing funding or limiting free speech, but by promoting dialogue and rallying together; but it hasn't been enough.
For that reason, the Tufts Republicans have also fought hard to bring the issue of race to the forefront and look forward to further discussions this semester. Having held a discussion about race and the GOP with the Pan African Alliance for the third year in a row this past October, the Republicans on this campus have truly reached out to those who don't often agree with us, and we have promoted much-needed open dialogue.
While we have the momentum on campus with the Daily, the Emerging Black Leaders and every other student or group that is bringing up the issue of race, let's come together as a community of all different races, genders, nationalities, orientations and political affiliations and unite as a Tufts community. It is important for us to acknowledge our differences without letting those differences drive a wedge between us. Ever since I have been at Tufts, I have always strived to show that we truly are a university with many stories but "One Tufts community."
Dan HartmanPresident, Tufts RepublicansClass of 2009
