May 17, 2007

Dartmouth Alumni Elect Another 'Insurgent' Trustee

Alumni of Dartmouth College have elected a fourth petition-driven candidate to its governing board of 18 trustees. Stephen F. Smith, a Dartmouth alumnus and law professor at the University of Virginia, bested a slate of three candidates selected by the Dartmouth Alumni Council, according to results released today.

On his Web site, Mr. Smith argues that Dartmouth should retain the qualities of a small college, emphasizing both teaching and research, and that the college’s administration has become a bloated bureaucracy. Mr. Smith also disputes allegations that his candidacy was part of a conservative scheme to take over the board.

“I have been subjected to innuendo suggesting that I’m somehow a stooge for hidden conservative forces,” Mr. Smith writes. “I am, in fact, a truly independent candidate. No one and no group — liberal, conservative, or otherwise — is controlling or bankrolling my campaign.”

It’s easy to see why some critics have questioned Mr. Smith’s ties to conservatives, as he received scads of endorsements from right-wing groups, media outlets, and even William F. Buckley. The recent rise of insurgent candidacies, at Dartmouth and elsewhere, is a new front in the culture wars.

In a written statement, James Wright, Dartmouth’s president, said he looked forward to working with Mr. Smith and noted that he has good relations with the three other insurgent trustees. —Paul Fain

Comments

1. Though I did not vote for Mr. Smith, I have read his material and will be watching to see if his conservative approach (though not necessarily “right wing” helps Dartmouth excel in its stated mission. His performance as a trustee bears watching to see if his deeds match his word.

   — Robert T. Carter, Class of 1959    May 18, 10:39 AM    #

2. I had no idea that the Chronicle of Higher Education had become a liberal bastion without balance.
   Nowhere in your article do you point out that Professor Smith grew up on poverty and has overcome that obstacle. Nowhere do you point out that Professor Smith is an African-American—which you no doubt would have pointed out if you believed that he was in agreement with your point of view. Nowhere do you point out that Professor Smith’s main opponent in the trustee election was endorsed by none other than George Will—a noted conservative if there ever was one.
   And your use of the term “insurgent” was clearly used for no other purpose than to elicit a negative emotional response.
   Shame on you for your lack of fairness in reporting, and your lack of even-handedness.

   Peter E. Tracy
   Class of 1968

   — Peter E. Tracy    May 27, 11:05 PM    #

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