Letters the Editor: Female leaders deserve attention

As women on Duke Student Government with a combined seven years of experience, we were excited to see a headline regarding women’s leadership in The Chronicle last Friday. However, upon reading the article, we were disappointed to find that the portrayal of women in DSG and other “big ticket” organizations was inaccurate.

As elections were held almost nine months ago for the organizations discussed in the article, the gender break-down of this year’s leadership is hardly news. The article, presented as objective, was in reality a veiled opinionated editorial. By presenting the issue as fact and defining campus leaders by their gender, the article oversimplifies a complex issue. The qualities which make a great leader are not defined by a person’s gender but by his or her dedication to an organization in the context of the group’s larger purpose.

The labeling of DSG as a “male organization” erases the accomplishments of those women who dedicate their time and energy to something about which they are passionate. Women make up over a third of the individuals on DSG. They author crucial legislation, plan campus-wide events and serve important positions on cabinet. Many women in DSG also hold leadership positions in other campus organizations such as Campus Council, Class Council, Admissions Tour Guides, the First Year Advisory Council, Active Minds and ROTC. These women choose to take leadership positions, not to mold themselves to gender stereotypes, but because of a conscious decision to make an impact on campus and in the Durham community.

The reporter should have contacted those women who bridged the supposed gender gap and hold Senate and Cabinet positions within DSG. These women would have told her that their DSG careers have been fulfilling and that they have never felt as if they were intruding on an “Old Boys’ Club.” This year, as well as in years past, the executive leadership has been encouraging of the contributions made by individuals of both genders.

Duke student leaders deserve praise for their accomplishments. Friday’s article clearly touches on an issue which requires discussion, but should not have been presented as a grievous problem. We hope that as elections for all campus organizations draw near, qualified students, regardless of their gender, continue to step up so that 2005-2006 can be just as successful as this year.

Meredith Levy

Trinity ’05, DSG Senator