Take high road in Emory ‘war’

David Ader

As many of you may have noticed, the Student Government Association at Emory University has declared “war” on Washington University in an attempt to build up a rivalry with us. They have taken steps such as painting our entire underpass with derogatory comments, handing out fictitious fliers on their campus supposedly from WU, and writing undignified articles in their student newspaper.

Such activities are both demeaning and classless. They show lack of judgment and, in my mind, a hint of envy. As an aside, it also seems a bit paradoxical to artificially create a rivalry.

With respect to the underpass, we at Student Union realize how much time and effort student groups put into their events, and for every one of their underpass paintings having been vandalized, we offer our sincere condolences.

While I agree that building school pride is a noble cause, I do not condone the course that Emory has decided to take. I’ll admit it-we could use a boost in our school spirit. In my mind, however, there are two ways to go about building it: taking pride in one’s own school, as Red Alert aims to do, and knocking other schools down, as Emory has chosen. Since its inception, Red Alert has been a shining example of how to have fun and show our support for fellow students.

If the recent actions of the Emory students disturb you, as they do me, don’t stoop to their level and retaliate. Instead, beat them at their own game and take pride in the fact that you call Washington University home. Do everything you can to show it-attend Red Alert events this week (women’s soccer at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and football at 7 p.m. on Saturday), volunteer with the Admissions Department to give tours and be ambassadors to high schools, wear one of the 1,000 “wash. u. pride.” shirts that were recently sold or even trade in that Northwestern sweatshirt for a Wash. U. one.

Consider it an honor that an entire university has focused all of their efforts on us. If they want to challenge our athletics or academics, I fully believe that they speak for themselves.

Bottom line: take the high road and show Emory what really makes Washington University great-its people.

David is a senior in the business school and the president of Student Union.

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