To the Wesleyan Community:

We are writing to voice our concern over the recent actions of a group calling themselves the "Gender Avengers" who, in an effort to raise awareness of gender issues on campus, postered and wrote on the walls of Clark Hall on Tuesday, February 27, 2001. In addition to many signs and stickers posted throughout the residence hall, slogans were written on the walls and doors with permanent marker. While it is appropriate to hang posters in the hallways, it is inexcusable for any group to write on the walls of the residence hall.

The blatant vandalism of our living space shows a marked disrespect by this group for our home here at Wesleyan. Clark residents desire a sense of community and respect for their living space as much as anyone else on the Wesleyan campus. Yet the inconsiderate and destructive behavior of visitors to Clark detracts from the positive living experience that Clark residents have fostered this year. With residents and the Wesleyan Administration, the Clark Resident Advisors have actively worked towards improving the reputation of the residence hall by encouraging a sense of pride in the Clark community. Actions like those of the "Gender Avengers" seriously undermine the effort we have committed to making Clark a respectful and considerate living space.

We fully support the efforts of the "Gender Avengers" to advocate greater acceptance of gender interpretations on campus, but find the manner in which they chose to publicize their views unacceptable. The Clark Resident Advisors strongly encourage any campus group to promote their views within the residence hall and are very willing to work with organizations by planning programs and posting information in our halls. However, we expect our community and our living space to be shown the same respect that we show to all campus groups. By vandalizing the walls of our living space and the signs we have spent time posting, the "Gender Avengers" have not reciprocated the respect that the Clark community shows to all campus organizations.

Sincerely,

Kate Nattrass ‘03 Frank Ho ‘02 Julie Kristian ‘03 Patrick Carroll ‘03 Aileen Payumo ‘02 

Sam Siegel ‘03 Kathryn Flynn ‘03 Adam Prado ‘03 Kara Vonasek ‘01 [Clark Residential Life Staff]