Wellesley College Statement

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STATEMENT BY WELLESLEY COLLEGE PRESIDENT IN RESPONSE TO ROLLING STONE ARTICLE

WELLESLEY, Mass., February 23, 2001 — Wellesley College President Diana Chapman Walsh today made the following statement: “The recent article about Wellesley College in Rolling Stone magazine is an example of irresponsible and sensationalist journalism, designed to sell magazines rather than inform readers. The depictions of Wellesley College students, faculty, and staff are grossly distorted and are an appalling affront to the intelligent, hard-working, and talented individuals who make up this campus community.

Since the article has appeared, our students have reacted with appropriate outrage at the prurient depiction of the college, which in fact places the highest value on mutual respect and the personal dignity of every member of our community. Although the article notes in a footnote that “many names have been changed,” the reporter does not distinguish between pseudonyms and real names, making it impossible to assess the validity of any of the statements. More troubling still is his tendency to mask the identity of faculty and staff while he uses students’ real names, exposing them to public ridicule.

To purport to capture ‘College Life 2001′ (as the magazine claimed on its cover) through salacious stories about the alleged sexual adventures of a handful of students is ludicrous, as is the implication that these kinds of behaviors are somehow endemic or unique to women’s colleges.Unfortunately, this kind of stereotypic reporting is nothing new for women’s colleges. It is another example of the backlash against successful female students who choose to attend a women’s college because of the academic excellence of its students and faculty and the empowerment and lifelong opportunities that such an education opens for them.

I am confident that readers of this deplorable article will recognize it for the immature and offensive piece of reckless journalism that it is. Meanwhile, Wellesley College stands proudly and securely on more than 125 years of remarkable success providing an excellent education for women who make a difference in the world.” Office for Public Information. Last modified: March 12, 2001.